Metro News Release

For immediate release: October 23, 2007

Rail flaws continue cause minor delays on part the Red Line

Repairs to continue tonight

Metrorail passengers will experience delays today on part of the Red Line in Montgomery County, Md, due to a second day of work needed to replace a piece of flawed track.

Track workers made temporary repairs Sunday night and were installing a new 39-foot section of rail between Medical Center and Friendship Heights stations Monday night while the rail system is closed. That work will be completed tonight.

A special ultrasonic testing machine detected the flaws Sunday night in a section of track between Medical Center and Friendship Heights stations. Trains have been traveling at reduced speeds in the area since Monday morning. They are moving at a maximum speed of 35 miles per hour, instead of 44 miles per hour until repairs can be made overnight.

The defects were detected by a special machine operated by Sperry Rail Services. The machine rides the rails and uses ultrasonic testing to detect cracks or other flaws. This type of inspection is conducted fives times a year, which is more than double the number of inspections from three years ago. Track inspectors also visually inspect the rails twice a week to ensure the reliability and safety of the rail system.

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News release issued at 12:00 am, October 23, 2007.