NTSB testing finished, Metro to begin repairs

August 3, 7:23 AMDC Transportation ExaminerKatherine M. Hill

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Metro announced last week by way of press release, that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has completed its testing on Red Line tracks between Takoma and Fort Totten stations.

So now Metro is going to replace (presumably failed) circuitry:

The NTSB’s action means that Metro will be able to begin to replace track circuitry in the area of the accident, including several thousand feet of cable, and track and circuit-related hardware. The work is expected to take about 30 days.

Delays will continue as the work progresses, and again, general manager John Catoe expects all to return to normal in about a month. Until then, here's more you'll need to know as you ride Red Line through the area:

Passenger assistance
• Assigning additional personnel to high-volume Red Line stations during rush hours to assist with crowds;
• Distributing informational flyers to riders;
• Reminding riders that all six-car and eight-car trains are pulling to the front end of the platforms at all Metrorail stations on all color lines, and that customers can check the train arrival signs on platforms to find out how many cars are in each train;
• Posting information on its Web site;
• Advising riders that as trains continue to move slower along the Red Line and that trips may take up to 30 additional minutes of travel time; and
• Providing Metrobus alternatives to Red Line service on Metro’s Web site.

Post-accident safety measures
• Monitoring all track circuitry profiles immediately after each rush-hour, 14 times per week, until an automated monitoring system is in place;
• Following up immediately with circuit anomalies that are identified in the twice-daily profiles and posting that information on its Web site;
• Working with a contractor to develop an automated track circuitry monitoring system;
• Operating all trains manually.

The NTSB is the lead agency that investigates the cause of accidents like the one on June 22. Its investigation, which may take many more months to conclude, will determine the cause of the collision and make recommendations to Metro.