Metro News Release

For immediate release: July 29, 2010

Downed power line affecting Red Line service

Power line on tracks near Silver Spring Metrorail station

 The Red Line is currently split into two segments due to a live PEPCO utility power line that fell onto the tracks near the Silver Spring Metrorail station, causing significant delays to customers. Metro is waiting for PEPCO to de-energize that line and remove it from the tracks.

The Red Line is operating between the Glenmont and Forest Glen Metrorail stations and between Silver Spring and Shady Grove Metrorail stations. There is no train service between Silver Spring and Forest Glen Metrorail stations.

To help people get around the affected area, shuttle buses are moving people between Silver Spring, Forest Glen, Wheaton and Glenmont Metrorail stations. People should keep in mind that a shuttle bus can only carry 50 people and a full train can carry 800 to 1,000 people. There are long waits for shuttle buses. Due to emergency vehicles in the area around the Forest Glen Metrorail station, shuttle buses are available a short distance from the station at Georgia Avenue and Forest Glen Road. People can also take Metrobus routes Y8 and Q2 to get around the incident.

As a result of the downed power line, a six-car train headed downtown with 41 customers on board is stopped on the tracks to ensure the safety of the customers and employees on board. Metro is holding the train until PEPCO can confirm that power has been cut off on the downed wires and they have been removed.

The incident began at 3:50 p.m.

News release issued at 5:23 pm, July 29, 2010.