Metro News Release

For immediate release: November 4, 2010

Metro prepares for slippery rail season

For safety reasons, trains to operate at reduced speeds on certain portions of the rail system

With autumn in full swing, Metro personnel have an eye toward safety as the arrival of millions of fallen leaves on Metrorail tracks is anything but pretty.

Leaves on the tracks can be a major cause of service delays and a troublesome occurrence at rail transit systems and railroads nationwide during fall’s “slippery rail season.”

Trains, which operate up to 59 mph in some areas of the Metrorail system, may be restricted to 25 mph in select segments of the rail system, so riders should prepare to build a few extra minutes into their morning commutes.

Metro has imposed speed restrictions for trains entering the following Metrorail stations: Dunn Loring, Rockville, Twinbrook, Takoma, Southern Avenue and Suitland. Additionally, speed restrictions are in place for trains entering the Minnesota Avenue and Cheverly Metrorail stations in the direction of the New Carrollton Metrorail station.

Slippery rail season occurs when falling leaves, crushed against the rail by passing trains, deposit a residue on the tracks. The residue coating decreases the friction of a train’s wheels, creating slippery rails. When this happens, train speeds are reduced to help ensure safe operations, especially on inclines, declines and when trains approach rail station platforms.

Slippery rails can also impact Metro’s railcars. The continued slipping and braking can result in flat spots on the steel train wheels. When that occurs, the cars needs to be taken out of service to make wheel repairs.

To fight the slippery rail conditions, Metro personnel have trimmed leaves and vegetation in key locations. Metro also has used its vacuum truck to remove leaves from the rails.

News release issued at 4:37 pm, November 4, 2010.