Latest on DC Metro Shutdown: Service Will Be Restored Thursday

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Metrorail will restore service Thursday after closing the tracks for emergency inspections all day Wednesday. WMATA spent the day inspecting all 600 "jumper cables" in the Metro system.

Authorities identified 26 cables that were at-risk, and have repaired 18 of them as of about 6 p.m. Emergency repairs should be done in time for the Thursday morning rush hour, Metro said; for any that remain, Metro will single-track around them.

“I know that today presented a hardship for many throughout the region, but I want to emphasize that this shutdown was indeed necessary,” said Metro General Manager and CEO Paul Wiedefeld. “I want to thank everyone for their patience and support in putting safety first.”

There were 22 inspection teams -- including engineers, contractors and staff -- out on the system. As of about 6 p.m. the inspection was 86 percent complete. The inspectors are walking 100 miles of underground track checking power cables for potential issues, Metro said.

“Throughout this intense inspection deployment, our focus has been on effectively mitigating fire risks,” said Wiedefeld. “We are being as clear as we can about what actions we have taken so that customers and employees feel safe as they ride Metro tomorrow.”

The Metropolitan Police Department put out a statement Wednesday notifying the public of an evening rush hour traffic plan that includes MPD traffic control officers directing traffic at certain intersections in the city. Red light cameras have been shut off for these intersections for outbound traffic for the evening commute.

"Motorists traveling to and from the city should expect major delays and should consider alternative routes, if possible," the statement read. "Some street closures are subject to change without notice based upon unanticipated events and prevailing conditions."

The shutdown is scheduled to end at 5 a.m. on Thursday in time for the morning rush hour. Metro officials announced the shutdown yesterday in a press conference, two days after a cable fire resembling the deadly L'Enfant Plaza fire last year caused major problems for D.C. commuters.

When announcing the shutdown Tuesday afternoon, Wiedefeld said he couldn't guarantee the safety of the Metro system due to the similarity of the two cable fires, and therefore thought it wise to shut down the Metro as soon as possible to make the necessary inspections.