WMATA mulls months-long rail closures for maintenance

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) could close entire rail lines for as long as six months for maintenance work, local media reported earlier this week.

At a conference with local leaders Wednesday, WMATA Chairman Jack Evans said that weekend and night closures wouldn't allow enough time to tackle the agency's high volume of necessary repair work, The Washington Post reported.

The news comes on the heels of the agency's unprecedented decision to shut down its entire subway system for inspections March 16. During those inspections, crews uncovered 26 locations where cables were damaged and needed repair.

In a message to riders yesterday, WMATA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Paul Wiedefeld said he's working on a long-range maintenance plan for the rail system but emphasized that no decisions have been made yet.

He noted that the agency would give "ample notice" to customers before any major service changes occur.

Wiedefeld expects to have the maintenance plan ready in four to six weeks.