The system will be shut down for 29 hours, The Associated Press reported.
An announcement is expected within the hour that workers will have to inspect as many as 1,200 pieces of equipment within the subway system.
The decision comes after a cable fire early on Monday morning caused delays throughout the day.
In a Tuesday-evening press conference, Metro officials said that the fire on Monday was similar to a fire that occurred in the Metro more than a year ago. The similarities prompted the emergency closing.
All Metrorail service will be suspended Wed., March 16, for emergency inspections: https://t.co/OPr8Ia6Vgt #wmata pic.twitter.com/YEXPL1cm2s
- Metro (@wmata) March 15, 2016Rail system will close for 24 hours to check 1,200 electrical connectors after latest fire, NBC4 has learned
- Tom Sherwood (@tomsherwood) March 15, 2016Metro to shut down ENTIRE rail system at midnight for safety check- NBC4 has learned from sources. announcement soon.
- Tom Sherwood (@tomsherwood) March 15, 2016700,000 #Metro Rail riders affected across all 6 lines and 91 stations. #fox5dc
- Jim Lokay FOX 5 DC (@LokayFOX5) March 15, 2016Metro press release calls #wmata closure "unprecedented."
- Will Sommer (@willsommer) March 15, 2016