The Rhode Island Avenue Metro station was closed through Thursday night after falling debris from the mezzanine ceiling prompted inspections, a day after the station shuttered for the same issue.
Red Line: Trains bypassing Rhode Island Avenue due to falling debris. Expect delays in both directions. Shuttle service is requested.
— Metrorail Info (@Metrorailinfo) September 1, 2016
Metro said the issue, reported about 5:15 p.m., occurred 20 feet from where a metal bracket fell Wednesday night, closing the station.
A 15 mph speed restriction was in place for trains passing through the station, Metro spokeswoman Morgan Dye said.
“Preliminary, it’s not believed to be structural but we’ve got personnel en route to further assess,” she said.
Metro said earlier Thursday that deteriorated bolts had caused a metal bracket and concrete debris to fall from the ceiling Wednesday night. The bracket, which connected a platform beam to the escalator frame, was replaced and a second similar bracket was reinforced.
The agency says it conducts station inspections regularly, with station managers keeping an eye on stations, platforms and tracks. The agency conducts full inspections of its 91 stations annually.
“That inspection consists of concrete sounding and the examination of any inconsistencies,” agency spokesman Richard L. Jordan said. “If any deficiencies are discovered, the appropriate personnel are notified for further investigation.”
It was unknown if the issue would affect the Friday morning commute.
This post has been updated.