Metro announces changes to SafeTrack schedule

WASHINGTON - Following a train derailment last month and reports released Federal Transit Administration ordering Metro to take several steps to address safety concerns in the rail system, Metro has announced change to its SafeTrack maintenance schedule.

Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld announced on Tuesday that the changes will help address the safety recommendations, complete work on the crossover tracks that was the cause of a rail car to derail near the platform of the East Falls Church station on July 29 and also take into account the extreme heat and severe weather that have been impacting our region this summer.

Metro said the changes will affect the rest of the SafeTrack surges. Here is how they will impact Surges 7 through 9:

Surge #7 Twinbrook - Shady Grove

-- Date change: This surge, which is currently underway, will be extended through the end of Sunday, August 21. On weekdays, Red Line trains will single track at all times between Shady Grove and Twinbrook.

-- New weekend shutdown: On Saturday, August 20, and Sunday, August 21, free shuttle buses will replace Red Line trains between Grosvenor and Shady Grove to complete necessary switch rehabilitation work. As a result, White Flint, Twinbrook, Rockville and Shady Grove stations will be closed.

Surge #8 Franconia-Springfield - Van Dorn Street

-- Date change: This surge will now begin on Saturday, August 27, and continue through the end of the day, Sunday, September 11. On weekdays, Blue Line trains will single track at all times between Franconia-Springfield and Van Dorn Street stations.

-- New weekend shutdowns: Surge #8 will now include three consecutive weekend shutdowns where free shuttle buses replace trains along segments of the Blue Line to complete necessary switch rehabilitation work:

Surge #9 Vienna - West Falls Church

-- Date change: This surge will now begin on Thursday, September 15, and continue through the end of the day Wednesday, October 26. On weekdays, Orange Line trains will single track at all times between Vienna and West Falls Church.

-- New weekend shutdowns: Surge #9 will now include four consecutive weekend shutdowns where free shuttle buses replace trains along segments of the Orange Line to complete necessary switch rehabilitation work:

The changes for the remainder of the Surges (10 through 15) that are scheduled for October and later will be announced in mid-September, Metro said.

For more information about Metro's SafeTrack program, go to wmata.com/safetrack.