Bad ties look to be the cause of WMATA derailment

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor
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WMATA

A preliminary investigation by Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) into a derailment on Friday, July 29, found deteriorated crossties to be a factor.

Track condition was named as the causal factor of the derailment, specifically, widened track gauge as a result of deteriorated crossties. WMATA said the preliminary assessment found no evidence of train operator error, but is looking at other possible contributing causal factors, including car equipment, weather, temperature and others.

WMATA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Paul Wiedefeld ordered a special supervisory inspection of all tracks.

“While Metro and the outside experts continue their review, we are requiring supervisors to conduct a specialized track inspection to look for any other similar conditions that must be immediately addressed,” said Wiedefeld.

Two cars of a westbound Silver Line train derailed at 6:15 a.m. on July 29, as the train was passing through a track crossing on approach to East Falls Church Station. WMATA restored service to the Orange and Silver lines on Aug. 1 following track repairs.

Clean up crews determined a portion of track shifted as a result of the derailment, which damaged the interlocking tracks and related infrastructure. Crews replaced 200 feet of running rail, rebuilt 150 feet of electrified third rail, replaced two track crossings at the interlocking and replaced more than 450 wood crossties.

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