Photo by Julian Ortiz
The Federal Transit Administration has alerted Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld that more than 220 defects were found during inspections that were conducted from last October through April 8. According to a letter dated April 18, the FTA identified 229 defects “requiring 66 remedial actions.”
The FTA recommends that WMATA address several concerns immediately by inspecting and correcting fire safety equipment in Metro tunnels, as well as meeting with employees to ensure they’re aware of safety procedures to protect themselves on the tracks.
While inspecting Metro’s tracks and track power systems, the FTA said it found a large percentage of lights that were improperly functioning, fire extinguishers that were discharged or expired, telephones that were out of order, construction debris that cluttered emergency walkways, and other defects that “present serious safety risks for workers in the tunnels” and limit WMATA’s ability to “manage a fire or smoke emergency in the tunnel.”
Last month, Metro confirmed that a tunnel fire near Clarendon station was the result of burning debris.
The FTA also noted actions observed by Metro workers such as violating speed restrictions and improperly using hand signals, among other erroneous behavior.
The letter concludes with deadlines. WMATA should submit a work plan to the FTA no later than 10 days from the letter’s date in regard to the degrading condition of safety equipment in tunnels. In addition, the FTA orders Metro to conduct safety briefings for employees who work on or operate in the rail system no later than April 22.
The now-middle aged rail system has had well-documented issues that led to a system-wide shutdown for 29 hours in March. The emergency investigation conducted during that time found more than two dozen damaged areas, which were repaired, though Metro still doesn’t know why cable fires persist.
