Rail service returns following WMATA shutdown

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
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WMATA GM Paul Wiedefeld providing update on emergency inspections.

Washington Metropolitan Transportation Authority (WMATA) has restored service following an unprecedented full closure of the system March 16 for emergency inspections of the system's third-rail power cables.

 

The suspension of service on Wednesday followed an early morning electrical fire involving a cable in the tunnel outside McPherson Square Station on Monday, March 14. There were no injuries; however, service was disrupted along the Blue, Orange and Silver lines throughout the day.

Metro crews completed inspections of approximately 600 jumper cables located in the underground portion of the system. As of late night March 16, 26 locations were identified where damaged jumper cables and connector boots needed to be repaired or replaced and the remaining four were remedied at a later time.

“I know that today presented a hardship for many throughout the region, but I want to emphasize that this shutdown was indeed necessary,” said WMATA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Paul Wiedefeld. “I want to thank everyone for their patience and support in putting safety first.”

Following these repairs, service resumed March 17 on a normal weekday schedule. However, if additional track repairs are needed, WMATA will announce the areas that are in need of repair as soon as they are known, resulting in potential impacts to service in those areas.

Beginning at midnight on March 15, a team of electricians and cable construction crews walked through 100 miles of tunnel inspecting for defects in jumper cables, connecting boots that were damaged or improperly positioned, water infiltration and debris that could burn near cables.

Metro’s safety investigators are reviewing the history of the damaged boots and cables and all findings will be shared with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Investigators will then review inspection records, age of materials and maintenance records to identify any procedures that were not followed or standards that were not met.

 

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