This post was written by Hatchet reporter Tiana Pigford.

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority shut down the south entrance of the Dupont Circle Metro station Wednesday, starting an eight-month renovation process that will add three new escalators.

The upgrade, part of a $150 million overhaul across the rail system, will uproot and replace the station’s three narrow escalators that were custom-built and installed in 1997 to fit into the space normally allotted to two units.

Riders are encouraged to use the Farragut North station to lessen crowding at the Dupont Circle station – one of Metro’s busiest – during the upgrades.

Workers will operate three separate cranes to maneuver each escalator, forcing the closure of the entrance for safety and efficiency purposes.