“Metro has suspended Blue Line service in the direction of Largo Town Center”

Photo by PoPville flickr user wolfpackWX

From WMATA:

“Metro has suspended Blue Line service in the direction of Largo Town Center due to a suspected third-rail issue in Virginia that is causing trains to become disabled in Washington, DC. At least four Blue Line trains have become mechanically disabled this morning, resulting in significant delays that also affect Orange and Silver line trains.

Riders traveling inbound from Virginia should use Yellow Line trains and transfer at L’Enfant Plaza to get to their destination. Blue Line service from Largo to Franconia-Springfield continues to operate.

Delays are currently 30 minutes or more for some trains on the Blue, Orange and Silver lines.

Track inspectors are walking the Blue Line now attempting to locate the problem area.”

Update 9:10 a.m. “Metro personnel have identified the cause of earlier disabled Blue Line trains. The problem has been identified as a cracked third rail between Arlington Cemetery and Rosslyn on the inbound track. Repairs will begin shortly.”

Update 9:50 a.m. “Blue Line service has been restored in both directions. However, trains are single tracking between Foggy Bottom and Arlington Cemetery to allow for repairs to the third rail. Blue Line riders should allow about 15 minutes of additional travel time. Orange and Silver line trains are not single tracking, but may encounter brief delays due to Blue Line single tracking at Rosslyn.”

Update 11:25 a.m. “Repairs to the third-rail have been completed. Blue Line trains are no longer single tracking. Expect residual delays in both directions for about the next half hour.”