Prepare for a slow Afternoon Commute on the Orange/Silver/Blue Lines

Update from WMATA:

“Metro has restored rail service on the Blue, Orange and Silver lines in the area of Stadium-Armory following a transformer fire this morning at a Metro power substation near Stadium-Armory Station. Trains on the three affected lines are now operating on their normal routes (Orange Line between Vienna and New Carrollton, Blue Line between Franconia-Springfield and Largo, Silver Line between Wiehle-Reston and Largo). Riders may experience residual delays as service ramps up to rush-hour service levels. Stadium-Armory Station has reopened.

The restoration of service follows the successful reconfiguration of power to “feed” electricity to the area of Stadium-Armory from the adjacent substations, located at Potomac Avenue and Deanwood. The power substation at Stadium-Armory remains offline. Until normal power conditions are restored, trains will operate at lower speeds through the area to reduce power draw.

There were no injuries as a result of the fire. The cause remains under investigation.”

From WMATA:

“As of 3 p.m., Metro crews are working to restore rail service on a portion of the Blue, Orange and Silver lines following a fire this morning at a power substation in the area of Stadium-Armory.

Train service was suspended following a report of smoke from the substation, located in the parking lot of RFK Stadium, that provides third-rail power to a section of the Blue, Orange and Silver lines. All trains were moved out of the area, and there were no injuries.

The source of the smoke was determined to be a fire involving one of three transformers within the substation that converts commercial electricity from alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) for use by trains. Two other transformers at the facility appear to be unaffected; however, a full assessment will be made to determine any damage. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Currently, Metro personnel are reconfiguring power to “feed” electricity from two adjacent power substations — one at Potomac Avenue and one at Deanwood. Once the reconfuration is completed this evening, train service will be able to be restored. Trains will likely be required to operate at reduced speed through the area to minimize power draw.

Service Information

Metro is advising riders on the Orange, Blue and Silver line of service impacts that will likely affect this evening’s commute. Service is operating as follows:

• Orange Line: Trains are operating between Eastern Market and Vienna and between New Carrollton and Minnesota Avenue. Trains will run about every 8 minutes. Buses are replacing trains between Minnesota Avenue and Eastern Market, making all intermediate station stops.
• Blue Line: Trains are operating between Eastern Market and Franconia-Springfield and between Largo Town Center and Benning Road. Trains will run about every 8 minutes. Buses are replacing trains between Benning Road and Eastern Market, making all intermediate station stops.
• Silver Line: Trains are operating only between Wiehle-Reston East and East Falls Church. Trains will run about every 8 minutes. Riders traveling outbound to Virginia from DC should use an Orange Line train and transfer at East Falls Church to continue their trip.
• Yellow, Green and Red line service is unaffected by this disruption.”