Media Advisory: Metro to hold emergency exercise in preparation for opening of Silver Line Extension

More than a hundred fire and emergency personnel will converge on the new Ashburn Station on the Silver Line Extension as part of a full-scale emergency drill Wednesday, August 17. Metro is conducting the exercise in coordination with Fairfax County, Loudoun County and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) as part of preparations for the opening of the Silver Line Extension expected later this fall.

The training exercise will begin at 8 a.m. and run through noon to help familiarize first responders with Metro’s trains and rail system. During the exercise Metro will simulate a real-life emergency with a train stranded outside the Ashburn Station. People in the area may see a large emergency response at the station, including several fire trucks and ambulances; however, this is just an exercise.

As part of the exercise, first responders will focus on their emergency response, communication, command structure, station familiarization, track and railcar access and evacuation procedures. Metro’s bus, rail, police and safety staff will also take part in the exercise.

Media are invited to attend.

WHAT

Full-scale exercise to test response to an emergency incident on the new Silver Line Extension.

WHO

Metro Transit Police
Fairfax County
Loudoun County
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority

WHEN

Wednesday, August 17, 2022 from 8:00 a.m. – 12 p.m.
MEDIA MUST ARRIVE AND CHECK IN BY 8:00 A.M.

WHERE

Ashburn Metrorail Station
43555 Ashburn Dr
Ashburn, VA 20147

Media Parking:

All credentialed members of the media must park in the designated media area located at the North Pavilion Kiss & Ride at 43655 Ashburn Metro Drive.

Media that would like to attend the exercise should RSVP no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, August 16. Call 202-962-1051 or submit a request online at wmata.com/media.