Metro: Surge No. 2 Has Fixed Important Silver Line Spot

The critical junction where Metro’s Orange and Blue/Silver Line diverge is now in state of good repair, says Metro General Manager/CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld.

Weidefeld on Wednesday released the final production report for the second SafeTrack surge. He said that all planned work had been completed during the 16-day project.

“I am satisfied that we are accomplishing our objectives with respect to the pace of track work progress in Surge No. 2,” Wiedefeld said in a statement. “Our continued success depends upon Metro customers heeding the warnings about reduced service during SafeTrack surges and finding alternate ways to commute. I am optimistic as we get underway now with Surge No. 3.”

During Surge No. 2, crews repaired and/or replaced critical rail infrastructure affecting train speeds and ride quality. Metro says critical tasks accomplished during the surge include:

• Replacement of four major switches at D&G junction, one of a handful of key locations where trains are routed to different lines
• Replacement of over 500 wooden crossties
• Renewal of over 230 third-rail insulators
• Elimination of over 20 rail joints
• Renewal of over 2,000 linear feet of grout pads
• Renewal of 12 signals
• Inspection and repair of over 180 power cables

For a complete status update on Surge 2 progress, visit Metro’s website.

SafeTrack is an accelerated track work plan to address safety recommendations and rehabilitate the Metro system and address critical safety issues.

Metro is rotating closings of sections of the system in order to complete three year’s of maintenance in about 10 months. There will be 15 safety surges overall.

Surge No. 3 began on Tuesday, July 5 and includes a complete rail shutdown between National Airport and Braddock Road, impacting Yellow and Blue Line riders. All Metro customers traveling to/from DC must use shuttle buses between Braddock Rd and Pentagon City during the project. Southbound customers should exit at Pentagon City for a bus shuttle.

Surge No. 5, which begins July 20, will again significantly impact Reston-area Silver Line riders.