DC Metro wasn’t adequately inspecting tracks before train derailment

Washington’s Metrorail system was not properly following its own inspection protocols and kept defective rail ties on the tracks prior to last week’s train derailment in Virginia, according to federal safety investigators.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) briefed congressional staff members this week on its investigation of the train derailment near the East Falls Church platform on July 29, releasing a brief report to the public.

{mosads}All 75 passengers on the train were evacuated to the station platform, and three injuries were reported. One passenger was transported to and released from the hospital, while the other two passengers were evaluated but refused further medical attention.

The Federal Transit Administration is also expected to release a report on the derailment.

Although the NTSB did not determine the probable cause of the incident, investigators found that the distance between the rails of the tracks was too great. The gauge in the accident area was 59 inches apart, but gauges greater than 57.25 inches are supposed to be removed form service.

The NTSB also found “a severe defective tie condition in the accident area,” according to the report.

Sources familiar with the NTSB briefing added that Metro was only inspecting the tracks monthly, even though its protocols require twice-weekly inspections. It’s also unclear the last time the tracks were inspected, although the NTSB has asked Metro to get back with that information promptly, the source added.

“It is not enough to simply have standards on the books. In this case, Metro had more stringent standards than required by the federal government, but those standards are useless if they are not carried out each and every day and enforced from top to bottom,” Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) said in a statement.

“The failure to remedy deteriorating track conditions, some identified as far back as 2009, led to the wide-gauge that caused last week’s derailment.”

Metro did not respond to the NTSB report, only saying the investigation is still ongoing. The transit agency already replaced 450 rail ties in the area following its own preliminary investigation that determined deteriorating wooden rail ties led to the wide gauges, likely causing the accident.

As a result of the NTSB findings, Metro was directed to conduct a stand down and enforce its twice-weekly inspections.

Metro supervisors are also now being required to accompany track workers when they inspect crossover tracks prior to its SafeTrack projects.

The beleaguered transit agency has been implementing a yearlong repair effort that is designed to complete deferred maintenance work, address critical safety issues and overhaul the safety culture at Metro.

But Metro has still been dogged by a series of recent safety lapse, including reports of train operators running red light signals.