Mike Rupert, The Examiner
2006-07-31 09:00:00.0
Current rank: Not ranked

Arlington -

The plastic tarps and barriers over the Clarendon Metro station will soon give way to a shiny new canopy transit that officials hope will shield the touchy escalators at the station from the elements.

The canopy, which officials said costs $760,000 not including design costs, is expected to be completed by late September, project manager Jane Morrissey said.

The Clarendon and Crystal City stations, both in Arlington, are two of the final stations in a four-year, $27 million program to put the glass and stainless steel coverings over 30 outdoor station entrances across the region.

“While the canopies are aesthetically pleasing, they do serve a real purpose,” Metro spokesman Steven Taubenkibel said. “They are essential in terms of allowing us to protect the escalator units in inclement weather, especially from snow and ice.”

Construction of the Crystal City canopy over the escalator units is nearly complete, and Metro is beginning to install a canopy from the station to the nearby bus depot. Construction should be completed by Sept. 1.

Both canopies will be similar to the kite-like design of the one installed at the Virginia Square Metro station.

The vaulted design was created by Lourie & Chenoweth, an architectural firm from Silver Spring, which won a design competition in 2001 from among nearly 175 entries.

Jim Hughes, Metro assistant general manager for operations, said unlike other major rail systems, most Metro escalators are open to the elements, which causes more mechanical problems — and requires more maintenance to escalator units. The new canopies help, but problems persist as evidenced during the recent flood, when streams of water rushed down the moving stairs.

mrupert@dcexaminer.com