Metrorail system to shut down for at least 24 hours beginning at midnight - washingtonpost

In  an unprecedented move, officials will shut down entire Metrorail system for at least 24 hours starting at midnight tonight so that crews can inspect 600 electric cables in tunnels throughout the system, General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld announced at a late-afternoon news conference Tuesday.

The unprecedented decision to shut down the system that thousands of commuters and school children depend on sent a shudder throughout the region, but Wiedefeld said it was the only way to ensure the safety of riders. The hope is that the inspections will be completed and that if nothing is found, the system can reopen early Thursday morning.

"While the risk to the public is very low, I cannot rule out a potential life safety issue here, and that is why we must take this action immediately,” Wiedefeld said. “When I say safety is our highest priority, I mean it. That sometimes means making tough, unpopular decisions, and this is one of those times. I fully recognize the hardship this will cause.”

The move comes after an electrical fire early Monday in Metro tunnel caused huge delays on three subway lines. It involved the same type of track-based power cables that burned during last year’s fatal Yellow Line smoke incident that killed one person and sickened scores of others. Wiedefeld said that while the cables were inspected last year, given Monday’s smoke incident, he felt it important that they be re-examined - Read More

Metrorail system to shut down for at least 24 hours beginning at midnight

With Metrorail closed, here are some options for getting around Wednesday