Metro to perform time-sensitive track work Saturday, impacting service on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines

On Saturday, October 7, Metro crews will make repairs to a section of track on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines. To accommodate the work, trains will single track between McPherson Square and Smithsonian Station with Silver Line trains operating between Ashburn and Ballston only.

The repairs are being made between McPherson Square and Metro Center, where track inspectors identified defective track materials. A 15-mph speed restriction was immediately implemented to allow trains to safely operate. However, more permanent repairs are needed before it becomes a safety issue and causes further degradation of the tracks.

“This work is extremely complex due to the location in one of the tightest curves in the rail system,” said Metro Chief Operating Officer Brian Dwyer. “We apologize to customers for the disruption and delays caused by the repairs so that we can continue to provide safe, reliable train service.”

Due to the length of the single track, one Blue and one Orange line train will go through the work zone back-to-back, followed by two trains, one Blue and one Orange, in the opposite direction. Service will operate as follows:

Customers traveling from the Silver Line stations in Virginia and Washington Dulles International Airport toward downtown DC should use the Silver Line to Ballston, then transfer to the Orange Line to reach their destination. Customers with travel plans headed to the airport or Virginia Silver Line stations should use the Orange Line to Ballston where they can transfer to the Silver Line.

The first train at the start of service may differ from the regular Saturday schedule at some stations. The last trains of the night may also be delayed. As a result of single tracking, only one platform will be available at Metro Center to accommodate the last outbound trains; however, Metro will ensure all customers will be able to make their scheduled transfer to other lines. Metro’s trip planning tools will be updated with the schedule information. Go to wmata.com/tripplanner to check train times.

The work involves a complicated process and requires the removal of two 40-foot sections of restraining rail, a type of guardrail used by transit systems to assist with navigating on curved sections of track and reduce wheel and rail wear. Each section takes more than two hours to remove. Then work will begin to replace 35 stud bolts attached to rail fasteners that stabilize and support the track. Installing new stud bolts involves core drilling to bore through the concrete and remove the old broken stud bolts first. This work will take most of the day, and then the track and restraining rail will need to be reinstalled.

Metro expects to complete the track work in time to resume normal service on Sunday morning. While temporary repairs and a speed restriction are in place to ensure trains can travel safely through the area, a prolonged delay could degrade the integrity of the track and a more immediate repair is needed.

The Red, Yellow, and Green lines will operate on their normal weekend schedules. Customers are encouraged to check wmata.com/MetroPulse for real-time service information.