Photo by Kristine Marsh

Photo by Mr.TinDC

Metrorail will shut down at midnight and stay closed throughout Wednesday for emergency inspections.

Wiedefeld told riders yesterday after a cable fire sparked delays and safety concerns on the Blue, Orange and Silver lines: “If you have the ability to consider alternate travel options today, I encourage you to do so.” Tomorrow, commuters will not have a choice in the matter; all 91 stations and six lines will be offline, though travelers have other options.

Wiedefeld said that an investigation showed similarities between yesterday’s cable fire and the deadly smoke incident at L’Enfant Plaza last year.

“It’s happened twice in a year. I can’t wait for the third time,” Wiedefeld said at the press conference. “When I say safety is our highest priority, I mean it.” The investigation into yesterday’s fire is ongoing.

Metro will examine 600 underground jumper cables and remain closed til 5 a.m. Thursday. Wiedefeld’s concern is the deterioration of the cable on the third rail. “If we do it piecemeal, it’s going to take weeks,” he said.

If the inspection uncovers any issues, it will result in single-tracking once the trains begin service again.

The underground jumper cables were last inspected about a year ago, said Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans, the board chair of WMATA.

“It will impact the entire Metro region, there’s no doubt about that,” said Evans. “We believe the most prudent thing is to close down the system. The safety of the people who ride the system is paramount.”

Evans said he alerted Mayor Muriel Bowser of the decision to close the system around 3 p.m. this afternoon

This is the first time that Metro has closed for a non-weather reason, according to Evans.

Metrobus and MetroAccess service will operate on a regular schedule, and WMATA is looking into bulking up buses.

The Office of Personnel Management says that its federal government workers have the option for unscheduled leave or telework.

The city government and D.C. Public Schools will remain open.

Metro says its lots will be free on Wednesday.

D.C. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton’s office will be telecommuting.

There are other transportation options available to get around.

Filed Under: close, commute, metro, wmata,