Major Changes Coming To Pentagon Metro Station

ARLINGTON, VA — WMATA is planning a big overhaul of the Pentagon Metro station after a pipe burst the day before Thanksgiving and caused major damage.

The original water supply pipe at the station failed on Nov. 27, "sending water streaming into the station through air ducts and elevator shafts," WMATA said in a statement. "The rush of water dislodged some ductwork, and caused a partial ceiling collapse in a service room. The station was closed for several hours to remove several inches water that had accumulated on the mezzanine level."

As a result, Metro customers entering or exiting the Pentagon Metro station during off-peak travel times will need to use the south entrance escalators or the elevators as the agency will make entrance configuration changes as they build a new water supply line to service the station.

"Because the original water line runs beneath the Pentagon—an inaccessible location—Metro engineers have recommended abandoning the original pipe and constructing a new water line on a new route around the building," the statement reads. "The Pentagon has been an active and supportive partner to expedite the construction process and necessary security clearances for workers. Metro has already engaged its contractor community and expects to award a contract as early as next week. Once a construction contract is awarded and a formal schedule is developed, Metro will update customers on the expected duration of the project."

Metro advises customers who use Pentagon station to expect entrance configuration changes that will continue until the new water line is construction, which may take several weeks.

The north entrance will be closed to all customers except during weekday rush hours. WMATA considers rush hour to be 5 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The project will not affect rail service on the Blue or Yellow lines.