The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) announced Thursday what caused the up to four weeks shutdown of the entire Metro SubwayLink system.
Premature and unexpected wear to 11 sections of elevated tracks caused emergency inspectors to close the metro. The damage exceeded internal standards, which transportation officials said can lead to derailments.
"It really has to do with when you have a railcar on top of rails." Said Kevin Quinn, MDOT/MTA Administrator. " It's the wear on the side, the top side. Especially as you go around curves when you think about how a train goes around at high speed it can really lean against that corner of the rail."
Late last week it was announced the system would be closed for the weekend after a routine inspection found problems in the elevated track between Owings Mills and West Cold Spring. But that later turned to the emergency repair to not finish until March 11th.
RELATED: MTA: Entire Metro system will close for up to 4 weeks for emergency repairs
Extra buses and additional routes will be provided for commuters during the shutdown. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan said he will commit $2.2 million in emergency funding for additional shuttle buses to be available to help transport commuters.
