Report: Silver Line Clears Safety Hurdle

While an opening date still has not been set, the Metrorail Silver Line is progressing toward full service. 

According to NBC Washington, the line "cleared a major safety glitch" with the Automatic Train Control system, which was cited in December as a reason for a delay past a February opening date, which itself was a delay from the originally forecasted December 2013 opening. 

Per NBC Washington:

"At a meeting of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority board Wednesday, [ Jan. 15,] project leaders said a software glitch with the line's automatic control system has been fixed."

"'I can report today that our most recent testing of the automatic train control system was successful,' said Airports Authority Chief Jack Potter.'"

At their meeting Wednesday, MWAA also announced that there will be testing along the Silver Line to simulate regular service.

Per the Washington Post, "Potter said officials will conduct a 'simulated service' exercise in which Silver Line trains will run at the same time weekend Metro service is being run. The test will likely be run the weekend of Jan. 25."

Once construction of Phase One is complete, MWAA will hand the system over to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), who will conduct their own safety testing, which is expected to last about 90 days. 

The 11.5-mile Silver Line Phase One branches off from the Orange Line in Falls Church, and includes four stops in Tysons Corner before terminating at Wiehle Avenue. 

Phase Two, which will include stops near Reston Town Center, Herndon, Sterling, Dulles Airport and Ashburn, is expected to be complete by 2018. 

MWAA recently set up a question line for residents interested in Phase Two information. 

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