WMATA tunnel ventilation project starts this weekend WMATA begins work this weekend on a tunnel ventilation project WMATA WMATA begins a significant tunnel ventilation project this weekend. Metro is reminding customers of upcoming construction on the Red Line for improvements to the tunnel ventilation system. The work, beginning Saturday, July 17 through Sunday, August 29, requires around-the-clock single tracking between Dupont Circle and Van Ness stations. The ventilation project is necessary to improve station and tunnel safety in the event of a smoke or fire emergency. During construction this summer, crews will build the necessary infrastructure to house new, more powerful smoke evacuation fans next to the Woodley Park and Cleveland Park stations. Installation of the fans, testing and commissioning will follow next year.