Metro Again Delays Repair of Dupont, Farragut Station ‘Chillers’

When will chilled air flow in Metro’s Dupont Circle and Farragut North stations? Not any time soon, it seems.

That’s because the transit agency has again pushed back repairs of the “chillers” that help cool those Red Line stations.

“Metro’s contractor has completed pressure tests of the pipes under Connecticut Ave NW (off Metro property) that provide chilled air service to Dupont Circle and Farragut North stations,” Metro said in a statement last Friday. “The test results are currently being evaluated to determine next steps. Unfortunately, chilled air service has not yet been restored.”

The chillers stopped working last summer due to leaks in the 40-year-old pipe that feeds water into the system, officials said. Metro originally estimated it would repair those leaks by July 1, then again by July 16.

As for when those chillers might actually come online, Metro did not set a firm date.

“We are working with the contractor and other outside parties to resolve this issue as soon as possible,” the agency said. “In the meantime, tunnel fans will remain on at all times to provide air circulation to the two stations. We apologize for this inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.”