Red Line riders were delayed, rerouted, and highly disgruntled this morning after a smoke incident resulted in suspended service at the Metro Center and Farragut North stations for over an hour. The segment then reopened, but closed again for about half an hour to repair the tracks before reopening again.

Red Line trains are now single tracking between the Farragut North and Judiciary Square stations. Update: Service has been restored but Metro says to expect residual delays.

D.C. FEMS spokesperson Vito Maggiolo told DCist that fire officials were called to Metro Center and Farragut North stations around 7:30 a.m. for the report of a possible smoke incident. He said firefighters stood by as Metro crews worked to resolve the problem.

Red Line was service temporarily closed at the height of rush hour between Gallery Place and Dupont Circle stations, and Metro suggested that passengers walk to nearby stations or take alternative train lines, Metrobus, or free shuttles to complete their trips.

Richard Jordan, a spokesperson for Metro, said he was unable to provide any details about what caused the incident. The Washington Post’s Faiz Siddiqui‏ and WAMU’s Martin DiCaro report that a stray current ignited an old rail fastener.

Metro restored service around 8:45 a.m., but closed the segment again for maintenance around 10:15 a.m. It’s has since been restored with single tracking in place.

Meanwhile, the WMATA board is meeting to discuss track fires today, according to NBC Washington’s Adam Tuss.

Outside that meeting at the transit agency’s headquarters, Metro union employees are protesting over contract negotiations, and there’s a looming threat of a “sick out” tomorrow.

Filed Under: metro, red line, smoke incident, wmata,