Non Passenger Train Derails Both Smithsonian and Federal Triangle Stations Closed – “no estimate on when normal service will be restored”

Photo by PoPville flickr user Barbara Krawcowicz

From WMATA:

“Metro is advising Orange, Blue and Silver riders of a service disruption that will impact service during the morning rush hour of Thursday, August 6 due to derailment of a non-revenue train at a switch point outside of Smithsonian Station. There were no passengers aboard the train and no injuries to the operator.

Service Information:

Rail service on the Blue and Orange lines has been suspended between Federal Center SW and McPherson Square stations.
Smithsonian and Federal Triangle stations are closed.
Lower level platforms at Metro Center and L’Enfant Plaza stations are closed.
Silver Line trains will operate between Wiehle-Reston East and East Falls Church only to reduce congestion downtown. Silver Line riders should transfer to Orange Line trains to continue their trip.
Riders will experience significant delays on the Blue/Orange/Silver lines and should consider alternate travel options this morning.
Yellow Line may provide an alternate for riders traveling from Virginia to Downtown DC

Boarding locations for shuttle buses

Federal Center – 3rd St & D St SW
L’Enfant Plaza 7th St & D St SW
Smithsonian – 12th & Independence Ave SW
Federal Triangle – 12th & Pennsylvania Ave NW
Metro Center 11th & G St NW
McPherson Square – 14th & I St NW

All regular-route Metrobus service in Downtown DC will allow affected rail passengers to ride free to their detinations.

Metro personnel are working to restore normal service as quickly and safely as possible. However, at this time there is no estimate on when normal service will be restored.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.”