MTA Announces Closure of South Entrance of Lexington Market Metro Station
Alterations to the Interior and Exterior is Estimated to Take One Year
Preeta Dasgupta
Issue date: 6/15/08 Section: News
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The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has announced that the south entrance of the Lexington Market Metro Station on Lexington Street will remain closed for about a year, starting on May 12, 2008. An enhancement project has been launched to install important customer safety features and to alter the appearance of the exterior and interior of the station.
On the exterior, the MTA plans to construct a canopy over the escalators that connect the street level and the lower plaza. A canopy will be built over the bus stop on Eutaw Street as well. The inside of the station will receive a thorough cleaning and better illumination with energy efficient lighting.
In a letter to the UMB External Affairs, MTA Administrator Paul Wiedefeld said, "While the project was primarily needed to protect Metro riders and escalator equipment from the elements, we worked to develop a strong signal that the Lexington Street corridor is an excellent place to live, work and use transit services."
While the south entrance of the metro station remains closed, signs will direct commuters to the north entrance on Saratoga Street which will not be affected by the ongoing construction. The MTA conceded that this closure may be inconvenient for riders but it had to be done to ensure the safety of their customers. "The Lexington Market Station upgrades are part of a larger project that includes the refurbishment and improvement of all fourteen Metro Subway stations." said Wiedefeld.