For immediate release: March 16, 2017

Metro responds to water infiltration in Yellow Line tunnel near L'Enfant Plaza

Shortly after 11:30 a.m., Metro received a report of water entering the Yellow Line tunnel south of L'Enfant Plaza. Metro removed third rail power on the inbound Yellow Line track. Upon inspection, engineers found water breaching the tunnel wall under pressure (see video below).

While there is no risk to the structural integrity of the tunnel, Metro has taken this action to prevent water from spraying on the electrified third rail. Yellow Line trains are single tracking between L'Enfant Plaza and Pentagon City. The source of the water has not been determined, but all indications are that the water is originating from outside the Metro system.

Service Information

Yellow Line trains are subject to delays due to single tracking. Green and Blue line trains, while not single tracking, may experience congestion-related delays due to Yellow Line trains waiting to proceed through the single-track zone. Customers on all three lines are advised to allow additional travel time.

Metro will provide an update on an estimated time of repair once more information is known.