Metro announced a delay of at least five months to complete construction of the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station. Prior to the announcement, Metro notified the City of Alexandria of the delay.
Metro engineers determined that the original design of the Automatic Train Control (ATC) systems, which was based upon specifications written by Metro, did not meet all of the important safety requirements to ensure the safe operation of trains. The ATC system prevents trains from getting too close to one another and ensures trains always maintain a safe distance.
The need to redesign the ATC system is the result of project management decisions for which Metro is accountable. Metro is working with the contractor to reduce delays in the project schedule and ensure system safety. Construction of the station will continue largely on schedule, but there are some track-related construction elements that are dependent upon the completion of the ATC design.
The station, originally expected to open in April 2022, is now anticipated to open in or around Fall 2022 in order to complete the design and implementation of this safety critical system. Metro will work with its contractor to seek ways to prioritize completion of the ATC elements of this project.
The Potomac Yard Station will be located in the southern end of National Landing on Metro’s Yellow and Blue lines between the existing Braddock Road and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport stations. This project was initiated by the City of Alexandria and will be largely funded by tax revenues and developer contributions generated by planned new development in the Potomac Yard neighborhood. 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.