Silver Spring Transit Center Project Stalled

The Paul S. Sarbanes Silver Spring Transit Center is being delayed indefinitely after an external investigation by engineers discovered structural problems that can’t be fixed in time for a June opening.

It’s unclear when the center will be completed, according to a Gazette report.

The concrete is too thin on the reinforcement bars on the middle and top deck which can eventually expose the beams to weather elements and cause rusting, said David Dise who is the director for General Services for Montgomery County.

“There were eight areas that we found where the concrete was flaking because the thickness of it over the reinforcement bars was insufficient and so, even now it’s subject to heat, thaw and started to crack,” Dise said.

Engineers will continue their investigation into the structural damage and present additional findings to the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority, Maryland Transit Administration, and Foulger-Pratt development company. In the meantime, these agencies are discussing solutions to the damage.

Montgomery County won't have to pay to fix the structural damage on the over $100 million project, instead the contractor and subcontractor will be financially responsible for this error, Dise said.