Home » Tracking the DC Metro 24/7 » A look at Metro…

This article is about 9 years old

A look at Metro track work behind the scenes

Metro — Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld talks with reporters in a work zone. (WTOP/Max Smith) As Metro undergoes major track work this summer, officials gave reporters a behind the scenes tour of the changes as they happen. (WTOP/Max Smith)

Workers make updates the Metro rails as seen during a tour of the track work being done this summer. (WTOP/Max Smith)

The intrusion detection warning system is disconnected so that crews moving ties and other equipment that may bump against the fence do not set off alarms. (WTOP/Max Smith)

Metro — The track work completed in June can be seen on the left, and the track being worked on now is on the right in this photo. (WTOP/Max Smith)

The machine that tries to save the ballast chews through anything left from ties pic.twitter.com/RROdIHoxta
— Max Smith (@amaxsmith) July 22, 2016

(WTOP/Max Smith)

Metro is moving third rail jumper cable connections from the inside of the rail where trains run to the outside where it is more protected. The older, inside connection, is seen on the third rail on the near track. The far track, typically used for inbound trains, already had the change made at this location last month. (WTOP/Max Smith)

Metro — Metro workers complete repairs as part of a plan to make tracks safer. (WTOP/Max Smith)

Here's how #wmata tie replacement goes (I'm speaking with Andy Off on the right and Brian Poston on the left) pic.twitter.com/ifAQXFW8tk
— Max Smith (@amaxsmith) July 22, 2016

(WTOP/Max Smith)

Metro — Laura Mason talks to Metro workers and reporters. She is managing metro’s 24/7 track work program. (WTOP/Max Smith)

A train is seen on the tracks as workers complete repairs during Metro’s track work plan this summer. (WTOP/Max Smith)

Metro — Pictured is a defector that would sound a warning if third rail power came back on unexpectedly. (WTOP/Max Smith)

Metro — Equipment is seen on the tracks during a tour for reporters of the track repairs being done on local Metro rails. (WTOP/Max Smith)

Metro — Equipment is seen on the tracks during a tour for reporters of the track repairs being done on local Metro rails. (WTOP/Max Smith)

A Metro worker is seen doing repairs during summer 2016's 24/7 trackwork program. (WTOP/Max Smith) — A Metro worker is seen doing repairs during this summer’s 24/7 trackwork program. (WTOP/Max Smith)

Tools are seen on the Metro tracks during a tour of the 24/7 trackwork program. (WTOP/Max Smith)

Metro — A sign indicates the end of the work area as the track exits into Ballston. (WTOP/Max Smith)

Metro — Tools are seen on the tracks as reporters get a tour of the repairs happening this summer. (WTOP/Max Smith)

(1/17)

Share This Gallery:

Related News

Metro eliminates DEI, sustainability offices to comply with Trump’s executive orders

Free fares for New Year’s Eve — and other Metro holiday updates

Free fares for New Year’s Eve — and other Metro holiday updates

What do riders think of the newly automated trains on Metro’s Red Line?

What do riders think of the newly automated trains on Metro’s Red Line?

Recommended

'Not your normal salvage operation': Picking up the pieces after the Key Bridge collapse

'Not your normal salvage operation': Picking up the pieces after the Key Bridge collapse

2 teens arrested after Springfield gun store burglary, 3rd suspect still at large

2 teens arrested after Springfield gun store burglary, 3rd suspect still at large

Intelligence officials to brief Senate on national security threats facing the United States

Intelligence officials to brief Senate on national security threats facing the United States

Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.