Full-Scale Emergency Exercises Planned For Silver Line Extension

RESTON, VA — The Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority is taking safety measures to ensure the Silver Line extension is eventually ready for service, Washington Metrorail Safety Commission CEO David Mayer said during a meeting Tuesday.

The announcement comes after Metrorail confirmed last week that it had taken control of the Silver Line extension from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

The extension includes six new stations, 11.4 miles of new track and a new rail yard.

During the meeting, Mayer said full-scale emergency exercises will take place in July and August. Mayer said the exercises will evaluate the preparedness of Metrorail and first responders to respond to emergencies on the new extension and the new yard.

He also added that Metrorail will test the tracks and systems as well as train and familiarize its personnel with the yard, mainline and stations.

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"In March of this year, we wrote to WMATA’s Chief Safety Officer about the work we will complete on this project. This work includes site visits and observations of Metrorail’s training and familiarization activities," Mayer said.

According to the WMSC, it has conducted oversight work on the Silver Line extension project since 2019. This has included onsite inspections and regular communication with all parties.

Mayer said the WMSC will continue to work at Metrorail's pace to complete its safety certification of the extension.

Andy Off, Metro's interim general manager and CEO, recently said that the opening of the Silver Line extension could be three or four months away.