WMATA's Wiedefeld orders assessment of Silver Line concrete

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Paul Wiedefeld yesterday ordered an independent contractor to assess the condition of concrete panels being used to build stations for the second phase of the Silver Line rail project.

The agency learned that defective concrete panels were installed at five new Silver Line stations, radio station WTOP reported.

Wiedefeld also called for the independent contractor to identify remedies to meet engineering specifications and WMATA safety standards, agency officials said in a press release.

His request came after a recently unsealed federal complaint against Universal Concrete Products, which is providing the concrete panels. A worker at the company said he was ordered by his employer to lie about quality control tests of the products, WTOP reported.

"We will continue to work collaboratively with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority as they oversee the construction of the Silver Line project, but let me be clear: [WMATA] is committed to ensuring that any remedies are paid for by those responsible, and that taxpayers and Metro customers are protected," Wiedefeld said.