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Power Outage At DC Metro Station Slams Commuters With Rush-Hour Delays

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Steve Birr Vice Reporter
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D.C. Metro riders were met with delays and crowded platforms throughout the system during Tuesday rush-hour due to a power failure as repairs continue during Metro’s 16-day partial shutdown of the orange, blue and silver lines.

The Columbia Heights Metro station lost power Tuesday morning, crippling elevator and escalator access. The station remained open with buses running to nearby stations but delayed commuters. The yellow line also experienced rush hour delays after an unspecified train malfunction near the Mt. Vernon Square station. Metro officials promptly fixed both issues, but delays persisted throughout the morning, reports The Washington Post.

Commuters are facing major service disruptions on the Metro as the second phase of SafeTrack repairs continue. Portions of the orange, blue and silver lines are closed for 16-day days between Eastern Market and Minnesota Avenue and Benning Road. Significant delays on these lines are expected, as well as overcrowding on platforms and trains. The first phase of SafeTrack wrapped up successfully on June 16. (RELATED: Two Arcing Insulators Slam DC Metro Riders With Major Delays)

Repairs are ahead of schedule according to Metro officials, who are touting the success of early SafeTrack maintenance. Metro workers have finished installing underground weather tight seals located on third rail power feeds and jumper cables meant to protect against future track fires.

“This is an important step toward addressing not just the NTSB safety recommendation, but toward improving overall safety in the Metrorail system,” Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld said Monday in a statement. “The sealing sleeves help protect the power cables from the intrusion of water and contaminants that may cause electrical damage.”

The Stadium-Armory and Potomac Avenue stations are closed for the entirety of the 16-day shutdown. The stations will reopen July 3 when surge-two repairs are finished, but in the meantime, officials implore passengers to use alternate modes of transport.

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