What The Noise Waiver At Huntington Covers During Metro Shutdown

HUNTINGTON, VA—Fairfax County has released guidance on the temporary noise waiver it granted to Metro at the Huntington station while it's shut down for construction work.

The noise waiver runs through Sept. 8, when Metro is expected to finish its platform rehabilitation work and reopen Huntington and the other closed Yellow and Blue Line stations.

So what does the waiver entail exactly?

The waiver allows the loudest work to begin one hour earlier and one hour later than normally allowed. But here's the catch: Metro's construction that occurs outside the station boundaries can happen anytime without restriction. These construction activities can include jack hammering, excavation and more.

The station boundary as defined under the waiver includes the station itself, the tracks within the station, bus loops, kiss and ride areas and parking lot. You can see the boundary on the map below.

Inside the station boundaries, these activities are not permitted between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday to Thursdays and 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. on weekends and days before federal holidays:

• Excavation, demolition, saw cutting, and jack hammering
• Removal/replacement of appurtenances
• Sand blasting
• Track reconstruction

Quieter work such as concrete pouring can happen anytime.

The construction noise from Metro's project has drawn complaints from residents. One resident who lives near the station told WTOP jack hammering occurred until 1 a.m., and it started again at 7 a.m.

An email to residents from Mount Vernon District supervisor Dan Storck reads, "In the last week we have heard from several of you regarding overnight noise around the Huntington Metro Station as a result of construction work. Please know we are working with WMATA to minimize impact to the surrounding community."

To report a noise violation, full out Metro's customer comment form or call Metro's customer service at 202-637-1328 from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. If you're calling after customer service hours, contact Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.