New inspector general report says Metro needs to improve inspections, repair process

WASHINGTON - Metro is speaking out about several issues with the transit system after a new inspector general report released Thursday said inspections have fallen short after falling debris shut down at a D.C. Metro station for several days nearly two years ago.

Back in Sept. 2016, pieces of concrete and a steel beam fell at the Rhode Island Avenue-Brentwood Metro station on two separate days. Metro's Office of the Inspector General's evaluation report of the incidents said the transit agency still needs to improve the inspection and repair process.

In 49 cases, inspection reports for the Rhode Island Avenue-Brentwood Metro station "contained exactly the same remarks as the previous year's inspection reports over a 3-year period."

The inspector general report also stated some parts of the station were not inspected because they were hard to see and reach.

"Without comprehensive inspections, incidents may continue to occur," the report said. "Incomplete inspection reporting may result in deficiencies not being addressed. If permanent repairs are not completed timely, the temporary repair may fail. These factors, in turn, may compromise the safety of passengers, WMATA employees, and contractors."

The report also makes six recommendations to improve Metro's inspection and repair program.

Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld said there is no indication of fraud in the inspector general report. He also pointed out inspections have improved, are more frequent and the Rhode Island Avenue-Brentwood Metro station is safe. The Metro station is scheduled for major repairs this summer as it will be closed for a 45-day period from July 21 until Labor Day.

Metro said in a statement about the report:

Metro's Office of Inspector General today released a report reviewing a 2016 incident in which a metal bracket became dislodged at Rhode Island Avenue Station. Metro closed the station for emergency repairs at the time, with permanent repairs scheduled for this summer--as we announced in February. More than a year ago, Metro's internal quality assurance group (QICO) implemented new processes to ensure that structural inspections are conducted thoroughly, properly, and in accordance with written policies and procedures. Since then, we have re-inspected all structures using the new controls, and are confident in the inspection process. To be clear, the OIG review did not conclude that inspections were not conducted as required, nor reach any conclusions regarding falsification of records. As in the past, if the OIG had reached any conclusions in that regard, we would take immediate action. Finally, the scope of the review involved three (3) inspection reports - one for each of three years - and not dozens as some have misconstrued from the report.