FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
BALTIMORE, MD (FEBRUARY 9, 2018) – After inspections today on elevated sections of Metro SubwayLink, the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) Administrator Kevin Quinn has determined that the stations from Owings Mills to Cold Spring will need to remain closed for several weeks. Customers will have access to bus alternatives on CityLink and LocalLink routes at all closed stations. In an abundance of caution, MDOT MTA closed down the entire Metro SubwayLink system at midnight February 8 to inspect all of the rail over the next several days.
To provide a more thorough inspection of rail sections scheduled for maintenance and replacements later this year, the complete Metro SubwayLink system closure and inspection will continue through Sunday. On Sunday, MDOT MTA officials will announce when stations will reopen or if any other part of the Metro SubwayLink system will need to remain closed for repairs.
"Nothing is more important than the safety of our transit riders and employees," said Administrator Quinn. "Our actions today will help enhance the safety and reliability of our system for years to come. We ask our riders to plan ahead, take advantage of the bus alternatives at each station and allow extra travel time during this Metro SubwayLink closure."
The elevated section from Owings Mills Station to West Cold Spring Station was scheduled to be repaired while maintaining single tracking for 10 weeks this summer to minimize disruption. When crews were conducting a routine inspection this week, inspectors determined the repair project needed to be done right away to ensure the safety of all MDOT MTA customers. The exact length of the closure for this section has not yet been determined, but will be a minimum of several weeks. Unlike the planned summer closure, these repairs will be quicker than 10 weeks due to a complete closure of this rail section.
MDOT MTA recognizes the critical importance of public transit to our passengers. Customers are encouraged to use MDOT MTA Light RailLink and the BaltimoreLink bus system while repairs are underway to Metro SubwayLink. Customers have bus alternatives at each station on CityLink or LocalLink routes. To explore alternative transportation options, customers are urged to visit mta.maryland.gov for the latest updates and alternative transportation options, as well as www.facebook.com/mtamaryland and Twitter @mtamaryland or to call 410-539-5000.
Media Contacts
Sandy Arnette
Office: 410-767-8367
Cell: 443-835-7984
sarnette@mta.maryland.gov(link sends e-mail)
Paul Shepard
Office: 410-767-3935
Cell: 443-622-4181
pshepard@mta.maryland.gov(link sends e-mail)
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