Metro Explores Multibillion Dollar Expansion Plans for D.C.-Virginia Tunnel and New Stations in Georgetown and National Harbor
Metro is considering extensive expansion proposals that include a new tunnel between Washington D.C. and Virginia, as well as the addition of stations in Georgetown and National Harbor. These proposals are part of the agency’s long-term plans to address various issues within the rail system, particularly the lack of tunnel capacity between Foggy Bottom in the District and Rosslyn in Virginia.
Metro officials have highlighted that the growth along stations that rely on the tunnel is projected to cause overcrowding issues, which were already prevalent on busy days before the pandemic. In light of this, transit leaders have released an analysis of six different options to enhance the rail system’s capacity in the coming decades. The options range from doing nothing to spending a staggering $50 billion to upgrade the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines.
However, Metro is facing significant financial challenges. The agency is expected to encounter a $750 million operating deficit in the next fiscal year due to decreased ridership caused by telework and a limited construction funding stream. This deficit is further exacerbated by the need to repay bonds that were used to repair and modernize the rail system. Despite the current decrease in ridership, transit officials believe that growth will continue, particularly near certain Northern Virginia stations. Additionally, emergencies and maintenance issues frequently cause delays in the bottleneck around the Potomac River tunnel.
Addressing the capacity limitations within the corridor is projected to take anywhere between 10 to 20 years to complete. The complexity of any expansion plan would require extensive planning and coordination among local jurisdictions and the federal government. Therefore, it is anticipated that it will be several decades before any extension is open to riders.
While Metro acknowledges the challenging timing to propose such an expensive project amid a looming deficit and limited construction funds, transit leaders emphasize that operational problems and residential growth within the corridor will persist. Metro predicts that jurisdictions along the Orange, Silver, and Blue lines will witness a 37% increase in population and a 30% increase in jobs by 2040.
The six expansion options before Metro leaders vary significantly in size and scope. One option suggests no expansion of the Metrorail, leaving transportation needs to be addressed by bus rapid transit lines and Maryland’s light-rail Purple Line system. Another option proposes enhanced Metrobus and bus rapid transit service while making design changes to rail cars and expanding stations to increase capacity. This option is estimated to cost between $3 to $5 billion initially, with an additional annual operating cost of $75 to $100 million.
Two of the proposed options focus on realigning the Blue Line, adding a new Rosslyn station, and introducing a tunnel beneath the river to serve Georgetown and Union Station. Another possibility suggests extending the Blue Line south to the D.C. waterfront and Navy Yard, crossing the Woodrow Wilson Bridge to Alexandria. The fifth option would create a separate tunnel and tracks for the Silver Line, allowing for express service and serving several stations.
According to Metro planners, the two options that align with the agency’s goals and needs are the realignment of the Blue Line to National Harbor and the plan to create separate tracks for the Silver Line, shifting it northeast from West Falls Church to Greenbelt.
The options will be discussed by board members at a meeting on Thursday, where a comprehensive presentation of the analysis will be given. However, no vote will be held during this meeting.