John Matthews
WMAL.com
5:40pm UPDATE: Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld has ordered the Federal Center SW station to remain closed the rest of the evening so a full third rail insulator replacement can take place.
WASHINGTON — A smoke incident at the Federal Center SW Metro station forced the closing of at least two stations Thursday afternoon and created massive disruptions on the Blue, Silver and Orange lines.
Metro released this update at 5:15 pm
Metrorail service on the Orange, Blue and Silver lines is temporarily suspended between Eastern Market and L’Enfant Plaza stations due to a smoke incident at Federal Center SW. Capitol South and Eastern Market stations are closed at this time.
Metrobus shuttle service is being established and will operate between the two stations.
Riders should consider alternate travel options (e.g. Red, Yellow or Green lines) and expect significant delays on the Silver, Orange and Blue lines.
No injuries have been reported. The latest incident comes one day before Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld is set to release his comprehensive plan for systematically closing parts of rail lines to make more extensive repairs than the system can currently accomplish during overnight and weekend periods.
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