Metro announces speed, acceleration restrictions

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Metro has ordered trains to slow down through the heart of the rail system to reduce the risk of dangerous smoke and electrical fires.

WMATA announced on Monday that they have implemented speed and acceleration restrictions in certain areas to reduce the electrical power draw by trains.

Trains in the following areas will depart stations more slowly and travel at a maximum speed of 45 mph:

The restrictions may result in congestion and increased travel times. Metro said they will work to minimize the impact of these restrictions to the greatest extent possible.

This announcement comes after Metro announced that their massive effort to address safety recommendations and rehabilitate to the system will not be finalized Monday.

The "SafeTrack" maintenance repair program, which is expected to eliminate maintenance backlogs and restore infrastructure to good health, will accelerate three years of work into one year.

BELOW IS SOME OF THE UPCOMING SERVICE CHANGES, WHICH METRO CALLS "SAFETY SURGES," THAT ARE INCLUDED IN THE SAFETRACK PLAN:

JUNE 4 - 19 (15 DAYS)
BLUE LINE - REDUCED SERVICE AT FRANCONIA-SPRINGFIELD & VAN DORN STREET
continuous single tracking between Franconia-Springfield and Van Dorn St.
Trains from Franconia every 24 mins, From Van Dorn St. every 12 mins
Shuttle buses during rush hour between Franconia and Pentagon

JUNE 20 - JULY 3 (13 DAYS)
GREEN & YELLOW LINES - REDUCED SERVICE AT GREENBELT ONLY
Continuous single tracking between Greenbelt and College Park
Trains from Greenbelt every 12 minutes
Buses on standby in the event of a disruption in single tracking zone

JULY 5 (10 PM) - JULY 12 (7 DAYS)
BLUE & YELLOW LINES - REDUCED SERVICE AT ALL TIMES IN MANY STATIONS, PRIMARILY YELLOW & BLUE LINES IN VIRGINIA
Line segment shutdown between National Airport and Braddock Road
Trains run every 12 minutes
Shuttle buses operate via Metroway between Braddock Road, Crystal City, and Pentagon City
Service between DC and National Airport available via train