Unexpected rail wear is cause for Baltimore subway shutdown

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor
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The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) is explaining the reason behind its extended shutdown of its SubwayLink system for rail repair work.

 

MTA says the closure was due to unexpected wear on 11 sections of elevated track. The rail wear was found during an inspection, where the Gauge Face Angle (GFA) exceeded internal standards; a condition that MTA says can lead to a derailment.

“The closure of the Metro SubwayLink system was undertaken for the safety of our riders,” said Administrator Kevin Quinn. “When presented with GFA findings in addition to a physical inspection, we found that the rate of wear was greater than anticipated. As a result, we took immediate action to protect our riders and initiated rail replacements at an accelerated schedule.”

MTA had planned on a rail replacement project during the summer, but said inspection conducted in preparation for the planned track work indicated that some section of track could not wait until the summer to be replaced.

MTA says it is expediting repairs to minimize disruption to its passengers’ commute during this closure, which is expected to extend through March 11. As sections of the Metro SubwayLink track are repaired and made available for use, a partial reopening of the system will be evaluated.

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