Metro News Release

For immediate release: August 30, 2013

Normal Red Line service fully restored as of 1:35 p.m.

As of 1:35 p.m., Metro has restored normal Red Line service between Fort Totten and NoMa-Gallaudet stations.  No residual delays are expected.

The restoration of service follows hours of repairs and comprehensive testing of equipment following an overnight derailment of a non-passenger train between Rhode Island Ave and Brookland stations. There were no passengers aboard the train and no injuries.

The incident occurred as Metro was moving six rail cars for maintenance purposes from Brentwood Rail Yard (near Union Station) to Greenbelt Rail Yard.  Around midnight, as the cars were moving northbound, two sets of wheels on the six-car train derailed outside Rhode Island Station resulting in damage to signal cables and related equipment alongside the rails.  

Metro suspended service between Fort Totten and NoMa-Gallaudet stations to allow for re-railing of the cars and to repair damaged signal cables.  Additional Rail, Bus, Police and Customer Service personnel were dispatched to key stations along the Red Line to provide assistance and infomation.  Many riders followed Metro's suggestion to use the Green Line as an alternate route between Fort Totten and Downtown DC.  In addition, Metro operated more than 40 shuttle buses to provide alternate service between Fort Totten, NoMa, and intermediate stations.

News release issued at 1:32 pm, August 30, 2013.