WASHINGTON — Montgomery County’s 311 call takers, those staffers who answer questions on everything from when your trash will be picked up to when you might see the next snow plow, will be on the job a little earlier and stay on the clock a little later during the next phase of Metro’s track work.

Brian Roberts, with the Montgomery County Office of Public Information, says call takers will be on the job at 6 a.m. and they’ll continue to take calls until 8 p.m. weekdays during the next two segments of Metro’s maintenance “surges” — from Aug. 1-7 and then again from Aug. 9-18.

Roberts says many residents depend on getting a voice on the other end of the phone to help them get around.

“We already have a lot of people who call 311 every day to get transit information,” he said.

So at a time when Metro’s service will have delays and disruptions, he said, “I hope this will be a little comforting that those folks will be there for a few extra hours to help everybody through this period.”

The added hours are for the weekdays only during the Safe Track work, Roberts said.

Here’s a reminder on the impact Metro’s work will have:

• Surge #6, Aug. 1-7: Red Line trains will continuously single track in both directions between the Tacoma and Silver Spring stations causing major disruptions throughout the entire Red Line.
• Surge #7, Aug. 9-18: Red Line trains will continuously single track between the Twinbrook and Shady Grove Stations. With only one third of regular service available during peak hours, commuters are urged to find alternatives.
• Learn more about both Surge #6 and #7.

Feel the need to hear a human voice guide you through Metro’s surges? Call 311 or 240-777-0311. Prefer to get your information on line? Visit www.MC311.com. And on Twitter: @311MC311