Metro SafeTrack maintenance continues; some repairs complete

WASHINGTON - Metro says the closures and delays along their rail lines due to the SafeTrack maintenance program are already paying off. Transit officials say repairs on all underground weather tight seals on third rail power feeds and jumper cables have been installed ahead of schedule.

"This is an important step toward addressing not just the NTSB safety recommendation, but toward improving overall safety in the Metrorail system," said Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld in a press release. "The sealing sleeves help protect the power cables from the intrusion of water and contaminants that may cause electrical damage."

On Monday, additional delays were reported after a power outage at a busy Red Line station.

At around 6:30 a.m., the transit system Tweeted that trains were temporarily bypassing the Medical Center station due to a commercial power outage. Metro made shuttle bus service available from the Bethesda station during the outage prior to power being restored and the situation being resolved around 7:30 a.m.

Metro's SafeTrack Surge#2 maintenance work, which has cut off service between five stations along the Blue, Orange and Silver Lines, will continue until July 3.