The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) announced the Potomac Yard Station is set to open in May 2023. The much-anticipated infill station is located in the city of Alexandria between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Braddock Road stations on the Blue and Yellow lines.
“We are excited to have an opening in sight for Potomac Yard Station,” said WMATA General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke. “Our team, the city of Alexandria and contractors are working hard to complete the station, and we look forward to providing new transit service to this rapidly developing area.”
“While delayed longer than expected, it is exciting to start the countdown to opening Potomac Yard Station for our customers,” said WMATA Board Chairman Paul C. Smedberg. “By adding this infill station to the Blue and Yellow lines, we are anchoring Potomac Yard as a hub for employment, education, housing and recreation.”
Work to tie-in the station and new tracks with the rest of the WMATA rail system concluded on Nov. 5, and trains are now passing through the station without stopping. WMATA continues working collaboratively with the city of Alexandria and the contractor to complete station construction. In addition, WMATA and its safety partners will complete critical safety reviews and provide staff training prior to opening for passenger service.
This project was initiated by the city of Alexandria and is funded by tax revenues and developer contributions generated by planned new development in the Potomac Yard neighborhood, as well as state grants, loans and regional sources.
The station will provide a wide range of benefits for Alexandria and the surrounding communities, including walkable access to regional transportation systems for residents in the northeast area of the city. The station is expected to generate billions of dollars in new private sector investment over the long term and eventually support 26,000 new jobs and 13,000 new residents. New development immediately adjacent and north of the station is a mix of retail, residential and commercial development, including the new Virginia Tech Innovation Campus.
