FTA to WMATA: Here are the three priority locations for improvements

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor
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WMATA

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) sent a letter to Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) calling for immediate repairs to three locations FTA deemed high risks for smoke and fire incidents on the Metrorail system.

 

The May 11 letter from FTA Acting Administrator Carolyn Flowers to WMATA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer names the Red Line segment between Medical Center and Van Ness, Potomac Avenue to the D&G junction on the Blue/Orange/Silver Line and Ballston-MU to East Falls Church on the Orange/Silver Line as the three locations needing immediate repairs.

Administrator Flowers wrote that the first two segments required the cleaning of drains, troughs and manholes; removing mud and debris from tracks and safety walks; sealing cracks and cleaning the tunnel liners; inspecting and repairing drainage pumps; inspecting traction power cables and welds; replacing insulators and third rail coverboards; eliminating third rail expansion joints; repairing fasteners and bolts in the direct fixation system and replacing corroded rail and defective tie plates.

Administrator Flowers advised that the Ballston-MU to East Falls Church segment repairs will focus on the traction power electrification system, additionally, WMATA will need to inspect the tunnel drainage system and schedule locations out-of-conformance with WMATA track and drainage pumping standards for priority repairs.

FTA will require WMATA to provide inspection and maintenance procedures to ensure maintenance is maintained of these components. Additionally, FTA is mandating WMATA re-establish its program for cleaning insulators and removing debris from tunnels within 30 days.

“In concert with FTA, I am directing WMATA to develop indicators and establish targets to monitor its safety performance in mitigating the risk associated with fire and/or smoke events,” wrote Administrator Flowers. “Use of indicators and targets to assess and communicate safety performance is a critical first step to ensuring a stronger safety culture.”

WMATA revealed a draft safety plan last week, SafeTrack, which is a year-long focused effort to improve maintenance and, ultimately, safety on the Metrorail system.

The full text of FTA letter is available for download below.

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