MTA shuts down SubwayLink for emergency repairs

MTA just pulled a WMATA, but thankfully on a weekend:

https://mta.maryland.gov/content/metro- ... hru-sunday" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) has announced the entire Metro SubwayLink system will be temporarily shut down for emergency inspection and repairs Friday, February 9, through Sunday, February 11. This action is being taken after a preliminary inspection conducted in preparation for planned summer track-work revealed that some sections of track needed replacement sooner than expected. MDOT MTA officials will reopen Metro SubwayLink stations as soon as possible with updates to be provided by Sunday night.

But, no bus bridge, and not much notice. I've heard there has been a bunch of driver call outs, as they don't want to deal with people angry at them, for something that isn't their fault.

https://mta.maryland.gov/content/northe ... ystem-shut" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

After inspections today on elevated sections of Metro SubwayLink, MDOT MTA has determined that the stations from Owings Mills to Cold Spring will need to remain closed for several weeks.

STrRedWolf wrote:https://mta.maryland.gov/content/northe ... ystem-shut

After inspections today on elevated sections of Metro SubwayLink, MDOT MTA has determined that the stations from Owings Mills to Cold Spring will need to remain closed for several weeks.

And deeper information on what the problems actually are?

mmi16 wrote:

STrRedWolf wrote:https://mta.maryland.gov/content/northe ... ystem-shut

After inspections today on elevated sections of Metro SubwayLink, MDOT MTA has determined that the stations from Owings Mills to Cold Spring will need to remain closed for several weeks.

And deeper information on what the problems actually are?

I wish I had that info. Local Fox affiliate WBFF 45 is quoting "weathered rail," and the Baltimore Sun is also saying "36 years of wear and tear." No specifics were given when asked.

Official press release here: https://mta.maryland.gov/content/entire ... cy-repairs" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

For those who are wondering "WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?!?":

• Free express shuttle service stops: Owings Mills, Milford Mill, Mondawmin, State Center, Charles Center and Johns Hopkins
• Free local shuttle service between all stops.
• LocalLink buses to hop between various stations to Mondawmin, then CityLink to inside Baltimore.

Of course... this calls into question the maintenance practices of the heavy rail system. A good part of it is the repeated cutting of funds, which makes maintenance get deferred. It happened while I was there. I bet it's still going.

The ATU released a video, showing all the deferred maintenance, and how unsafe components are.

scratchy wrote:The ATU released a video, showing all the deferred maintenance, and how unsafe components are.

Word on the Light Rail side is that staff was getting cut. I won't be surprised if Heavy Rail was also under the knife.

Currently being reported over local news: MTA Maryland says that 11 sections of curved rail showed higher-than-expected wear. It had scheduled and budgeted rail replacement for this summer after inspection back in 2015... but the inspection this past weekend shows it needed to replace the rail now.

STrRedWolf wrote:Currently being reported over local news: MTA Maryland says that 11 sections of curved rail showed higher-than-expected wear. It had scheduled and budgeted rail replacement for this summer after inspection back in 2015... but the inspection this past weekend shows it needed to replace the rail now.

Curve wear -

Is new rail being installed or are the inside and outside rails being transposed?

mmi16 wrote: Curve wear -

Is new rail being installed or are the inside and outside rails being transposed?

Replaced.

"mmi16"
Is new rail being installed or are the inside and outside rails being transposed?

As STrRedWolf said above, "replaced".

On rapid transit properties when rail cross sections are worn below minimum specification standard practice is replace.

A bit more google-fu revealed some more details than what the mainstream press/media provided.

From MassTransit Magazine's press release archive (link):

It was determined that Gauge Face Angle (GFA), one of the factors used in calculating rail wear, exceeded internal standards. GFA is the measurement of wear that occurs on the part of the rail that comes into contact with the train’s wheel. Over time, as wear occurs, the gauge face of the rail goes from vertical to sloped. Exceeding GFA standards can lead to a train derailment.

Here's the MTA Maryland press release and the inspection report that kicked all of this off.

Service resumes tomorrow (March 9th) after a few test runs today.