Cracked third rail causes Blue Line disruption

WASHINGTON — Blue Line service has been restored in both directions, Metro says.

Blue Line service headed toward Largo Town Center had been suspended because of a cracked third rail between Arlington Cemetery and Rosslyn, Virginia.

Repairs are underway on the crack on the inbound track. Just before 10 a.m., Metro said the repairs would take two to three hours.

Dozens of subway track inspectors walked the line between Pentagon and Rosslyn to find find the problem.

Metro spokesman Dan Stessel tells WTOP the problem caused at least four Blue Line trains became mechanically disabled Friday morning.

Riders encountered significant delays Friday morening on not only the Blue Line, but also on the Orange and Silver lines.

When Metro suspended service, it advised riders from Virginia to use Yellow Line trains and transfer at L’Enfant Plaza.

Metro added additional Yellow Line trains and staff at L’Enfant Plaza, Stessel says.

By taking Blue Line trains out of the mix, Metro tried to reduce delays on the Orange and Silver Lines, Stessel says.

Blue Line service from Largo to Franconia-Springfield continued to operate during the problem.

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