UPDATE: Morning Metro Problems to Continue Thru Evening Commute

UPDATE 4:15 p.m.:

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, according to WMATA.

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 reconfiguration 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Yellow, Green and Red line service is unaffected by this disruption.

ALTERNATE TRAVEL OPTIONS
Riders traveling to evening events, such as the baseball game at Nationals Park or the hockey game at Verizon Center, should consider using Yellow, Green or Red line service, if possible, to avoid delays.

• Shuttle buses are replacing Orange Line trains between Minnesota Avenue and Eastern Market, making stops at Stadium-Armory and Potomac Avenue stations.
• Shuttle buses are replacing Blue Line trains between Benning Road and Eastern Market, making stops at Stadium-Armory and Potomac Avenue stations.
• All regular-route Metrobus in the area of the disruption will permit affected rail passengers to ride at no charge, including the following routes: 30N, 30S, 32, 34, 36, 39, 96, D6, X2

Riders will be advised of the restoration of service via MetroAlerts (email and text messages) and @metrorailinfo on Twitter.

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UPDATE 11:20 a.m.: Blue Line: Trains now operating between Franconia-Springfield and Eastern Market stations.

Silver Line: Trains are running between Wiehle-Reston and East Falls Church ONLY; transfer at East Falls Church to continue trip.

UPDATE 11 a.m.: The DC Fire Department and Metro Transit Police remain on scene this morning at the Stadium Armory/RFK lot, with smoke coming from an above-ground power substation.

No smoke reported in Metro station or tunnels.

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Service on the DC Metro’s Orange, Silver and Blue lines has been disrupted Monday morning due to fire department activity at the Stadium-Armory stop, which is located in Southeast DC, according to WMATA. That metro stop is temporarily closed, according to WMATA.

Orange, Silver and Blue line passengers should expects delays in both directions, according to WMATA.

Here are some of the alternatives and closures, reported Monday morning by WMATA:

Orange Line

• Orange Line service is suspended between Eastern Market and Minnesota Avenue

Blue Line

• Trains are operating between Franconia-Springfield and Rosslyn. Transfer to Orange or Silver Line at Rosslyn to continue downtown.
• Blue Line passengers traveling to Foggy Bottom - McPherson Square, consider taking the Yellow Line to L’Enfant.
• Blue Line: Consider Yellow Line and transfer at L’Enfant Plaza.

Silver Line

• Silver Line service is suspended between Eastern Market and Benning Road

Metrobus Alternatives

• Metrobus alternatives: Benning Road – #U5, #U6 between Benning Road and Minnesota Avenue, #96 to Tenleytown,# 97 to Union Station
• Metrobus alternatives: Potomac Avenue – #30-Lines on Pennsylvania Avenue, #V1 to Bureau of Engraving, #V4 to Navy Yard, #B2 to Stadium Armory
• Metrobus alternatives Eastern Market – #30-Lines, Stadium Armory, #B2 to Anacostia or Potomac Avenue

IMAGES: Metro photo from Patch archive; Metro map courtesy of WMATA