Virginia's western suburbs will have to deal with Metro closures for months at the Vienna, Dunn Loring, and East Falls Church stations this summer.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA) is sending the Platform Improvement Project out west this summer. Crews will be working to update the walkways and platform surfaces to make them compliant with accessibility guidelines. Construction will affect commuters' plans from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Don't grumble too much; many of these renovations are sorely overdue. When the work has been completed, you'll end up with updated lighting, increased safety features, and platforms that meet the height of the Metro train doorways.

West Falls Church will be the last stop on the Orange Line, with riders going right by the closed East Falls Church Station before they get to the end of the line. If the 2019 summer Metro station closures are any indication, commuters can expect increased traffic in the area, long lines for the free shuttle buses, and considerably extended commutes.

If you usually pick up Metro at one of the closed spots, you may want to start practicing your alternative routes this spring. Try everything from driving to finding the bus routes that work best for you. Commuters further up the line can definitely expect increased ridership and parking woes at their local stations.

Specific alternatives to taking the Metro will be published on the WMATA website in early March. Riders should keep an eye out for free shuttle bus schedules, garage closures, and other helpful information.

**The photos and map in this article are courtesy of WMATA.

For more information about the ongoing Platform Improvement Project and updates on the route alternatives, check out the WMATA website devoted to its updates.

Did you live through the 2019 summer Metro closures? Do you have any words of advice for the folks out in Fairfax County? Let us know in the comments!