Metro adds Red Line single tracking this weekend for targeted stray current testing
Update: As a result of the Wizards win on Friday night, there is no event at Verizon Center on Sunday. Red Line trains will single track Sunday from opening until closing (7 a.m. until midnight). The release below has been updated.
Metro today announced the addition of single tracking this weekend on the Red Line to allow for targeted "stray current testing" (SCT) in a section of the downtown core where wayward electrical current has resulted in three service disruptions this month. The most recent incident, yesterday, caused a suspension of Red Line service between Dupont Circle and Gallery Place during the morning rush hour.
Testing for stray electrical current is a complex, time consuming process that involves removing all third-rail power, cutting sections of the running rail (that trains run on), running electrical current through a short section of rail, and using voltage detectors to find locations where the current is "leaking" into areas it should not be. The tests will be conducted by an outside third-party specialist with assistance from Metro track and electrical crews.
On Metro, the "positive" electrical current is delivered to trains via the third rail, also known as the "contact rail." The electricity is consumed by the train and the "negative" (aka "return") current is sent back via the running rail. The recent incidents involve electrical current on the negative return taking an undesired path.
"I have said consistently that when we identify problems, we are going to address them head on," said Metro GM/CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld. "We now have a pattern of electrical issues all in the same area and we are going to act to resolve the issue and improve service for our customers."
“I also want to let riders know that I understand the inconvenience they experience when there is a service disruption, and for them to know that we are taking action to minimize these kinds of incidents, just as we have in other areas,” Wiedefeld said.
Historically, comprehensive stray current testing has not been done on Metro, because it requires longer windows of time than the system’s service hours allow. Metro’s new system hours, which take effect in late June, will allow for a new comprehensive preventive maintenance program that includes routine testing for stray current, among other new types of testing and maintenance.
Metro has scheduled the work carefully to ensure that service is operating on both tracks before and after Capitals and Wizards games at the Verizon Center, as well as the end of Saturday's Climate March.
Service Information
- Tonight (Friday), Red Line trains will single track between Judiciary Square and Farragut North starting at 8 p.m. and continuing through closing.
- On Saturday, Red Line trains will single track between Judiciary Square and Farragut North from opening until 3 p.m., which is the scheduled end time for the Climate March. Thereafter, normal two-track service will continue through closing. The Capitals game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m.
- On Sunday, Red Line trains will single track between Judiciary Square and Farragut North from opening until closing.
Stray current testing on the Red Line will continue into next week with late evening single tracking expected.