Federal Inspectors Comb DC Subway For Track Problems

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Federal inspectors are combing Metro's subway tracks in a "safety blitz" that follows a recent systemwide shutdown to check tracks and make immediate repairs.

The Federal Transit Administration review that began Wednesday includes 10 "segments of concern," based on a history of defects, past problems or discoveries in other, recent federal inspections. The locations are scattered across the system.

Federal officials describe the goal as ensuring track integrity, and say the effort goes beyond the rails and power cables. They are also scrutinizing Metro's track inspectors, as well as systems for managing them and acting on their findings.

The new inspections are expected to run through April 13, with a report out by early summer.