Metro News Release

For immediate release: September 21, 2015

Update on Orange/Silver/Blue line service

Orange Line Silver Line Blue Line

As of 3 p.m., Metro crews are working to restore rail service on a portion of the Blue, Orange and Silver lines following a fire this morning at a power substation in the area of Stadium-Armory.

Train service was suspended following a report of smoke from the substation, located in the parking lot of RFK Stadium, that provides third-rail power to a section of the Blue, Orange and Silver lines. All trains were moved out of the area, and there were no injuries.

The source of the smoke was determined to be a fire involving one of three transformers within the substation that convert commercial electricity from alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) for use by trains. Two other transformers at the facility appear to be unaffected; however, a full assessment will be made to determine any damage. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Currently, Metro personnel are reconfiguring power to "feed" electricity from two adjacent power substations -- one at Potomac Avenue and one at Deanwood. Once the reconfiguration is completed this evening, train service will be able to be restored. Trains will likely be required to operate at reduced speed through the area to minimize power draw.

SERVICE INFORMATION
Metro is advising riders on the Orange, Blue and Silver line of service impacts that will likely affect this evening's commute. Service is operating as follows:

  • Orange Line: Trains are operating between Eastern Market and Vienna and between New Carrollton and Minnesota Avenue. Trains will run about every 8 minutes. Buses are replacing trains between Minnesota Avenue and Eastern Market, making all intermediate station stops.
  • Silver Line: Trains are operating only between Wiehle-Reston East and East Falls Church. Trains will run about every 8 minutes. Riders traveling outbound to Virginia from DC should use an Orange Line train and transfer at East Falls Church to continue their trip.
  • Blue Line: Trains are operating between Eastern Market and Franconia-Springfield and between Largo Town Center and Benning Road. Trains will run about every 8 minutes. Buses are replacing trains between Benning Road and Eastern Market, making all intermediate station stops.
  • Yellow, Green and Red line service is unaffected by this disruption.

ALTERNATE TRAVEL OPTIONS
Riders traveling to evening events, such as the baseball game at Nationals Park or the hockey game at Verizon Center, should consider using Yellow, Green or Red line service, if possible, to avoid delays.

  • Shuttle buses are replacing Orange Line trains between Minnesota Avenue and Eastern Market, making stops at Stadium-Armory and Potomac Avenue stations.
  • Shuttle buses are replacing Blue Line trains between Benning Road and Eastern Market, making stops at Stadium-Armory and Potomac Avenue stations.
  • All regular-route Metrobus in the area of the disruption will permit affected rail passengers to ride at no charge, including the following routes: 30N, 30S, 32, 34, 36, 39, 96, D6, X2

Riders will be advised of the restoration of service via MetroAlerts (email and text messages) and @metrorailinfo on Twitter. 

News release issued at 3:02 pm, September 21, 2015.