Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project Reports and Milestones

Page updated on Mar 7, 2023 at 3:51 PM

Overview

The following is a living record of planning meetings and materials, legal documentation, and official reports of the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station project. 

For information about the Potomac Yard Metrorail Implementation Work Group (PYMIG), visit alexandriava.gov/PotomacMetroWorkGroup.

For information about Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project Public Engagement, including the environmental impact statement outreach, visit alexandriava.gov/101656.

VWP Permit Compliance Documents

Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) VWP Permit 19-0170 Construction Status Update Forms and Weekly Inspection Checklists can be found here.

2021

July 26 - Metro Announces Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Opening Delay

Metro Announces Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Opening Delay
Metro announced a delay of at least five months to complete construction of the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station. Metro engineers determined that the original design of the Automatic Train Control (ATC) systems did not meet all of the important safety requirements to ensure the safe operation of trains. The station is now anticipated to open in or around Fall 2022. 

2020

November 14 - City Council Approves DSUP Amendment Adding Southwest Access Pavilion for Potomac Yard Metrorail Station

City Council Approves DSUP Amendment Adding Southwest Access Pavilion for Potomac Yard Metrorail Station

Alexandria City Council unanimously approved an amended development special use permit for the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station. The previous station design, approved by City Council in 2018, included one access point on the east side of the station, and two access points on the west side (a north pavilion and a sloped ramp from E. Glebe Road). The updated design replaces the ramp with a flat, enclosed, 520-foot bridge, accessible via an elevator or stairs located in a new southwest access pavilion at E. Glebe Road and Potomac Avenue. The enhancement will be funded with a $50 million state grant, which the City received as part of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Amazon Headquarters/Virginia Tech Innovation Campus incentive package.

 

September 22 - City Council Issues Resolution 2961 Supporting "Potomac Yard-VT" as the Official Station Name

At the City Council Legislative Meeting on September 22, Council issued Resolution 2961 in support of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech)'s request to add “VT” as a secondary name to the future Potomac Yard Metrorail station name. This decision was issued following initial outreach to residents and businesses in the vicinity of the future Potomac Yard station. 

WMATA will now proceed with the station naming process, which includes market survey to gauge public perception of the proposed name. This information will then be reviewed by WMATA and the City before a final determination is made whether to submit the request to the WMATA Board of Directors for approval at their December 2020 meeting.  

April 10 - Staff Recommendation of Enhanced Southwest Access Modified Idea #1 Docketed for Public Hearing

Staff Recommendation of Enhanced Southwest Access Modified Idea #1 Docketed for Public Hearing

March 20 - City of Alexandria Announces Plan for Enhanced Southwest Access for the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station

City of Alexandria Announces Plan for Enhanced Southwest Access for the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station
The City of Alexandria and Metro have completed pricing discussions with Metro's construction contractor for enhanced southwest access to the new Potomac Yard Metrorail Station that can be built with available funding. Read the City Manager's Memorandum to the Potomac Yard Metrorail Implementation Work Group (PYMIG) to learn more.

2019

November 20 - Federal Transit Administration 2018 Annual Report

Per the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Record of Decision (ROD) for the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project, the City of Alexandria is required to provide an annual summary report for the project to monitor and track the commitments and mitigation measures.

November 20 - National Historic Preservation Act Memorandum of Agreement 2018 Annual Report

Per the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project Section 106 Memorandum of Agreement, the City of Alexandria shall provide an annual summary report for the project.

November 15 - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Clean Water Act Section 404 Permit Issued

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Clean Water Act Section 404 Permit Issued

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) issued a Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 permit to the City of Alexandria for the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station project. In accordance with the CWA, the extensive evaluation process used to issue the permit included a public comment period and consideration of conservation, economics, aesthetics, environmental protection, cultural values, energy needs, and safety factors.  

See the Department of the Army Permit NAO-2012-02012/19-V0170

September 6 - Virginia Water Protection Permit Issued for the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project

The State Water Control Board (SWBC) held a public hearing in Richmond on Friday, September 6, 2019, to receive comments and make a final recommendation on the Water Protection Permit for the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station. Ultimately, the SWBC took action to unanimously support and issue the permit as recommended by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). This is one of two remaining permits issued through the JPA process. 

See the Virginia Water Protection (VWP) Individual Permit Number 19-0710

July 16 - Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Information Briefing and Public Hearing

At the City’s request, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) hosted an information session and public hearing the evening of July 16 at the Oswald Durant Arts Center in Alexandria as part of the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station's draft Virginia Water Protection (VWP) permit official public comment period. Videos of these sessions can be viewed by following the links below.

June 13 – Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Draft Virginia Water Protection Permit and Public Notice

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued a draft Virginia Water Protection (VWP) permit for the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station project in response to the City’s Joint Permit Application (JPA). DEQ will accept public comment between June 14 and July 31, 2019. In addition, DEQ will host an information briefing followed by a public hearing on July 16, 2019, to provide the opportunity for oral public comments. Please see the full public notice for complete details.

Summary of the Key Dates:

May 31 – City of Alexandria Announces Updates on Southwest Access to Potomac Yard Metro Station

City of Alexandria Announces Updates on Southwest Access to Potomac Yard Metro Station
Alexandria City Council unanimously approved an amended development special use permit for the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station. The previous station design, approved by City Council in 2018, included one access point on the east side of the station, and two access points on the west side (a north pavilion and a sloped ramp from E. Glebe Road). The updated design replaces the ramp with a flat, enclosed, 520-foot bridge, accessible via an elevator or stairs located in a new southwest access pavilion at E. Glebe Road and Potomac Avenue. The enhancements will be funded with a $50 million state grant.

April 29 – Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Second Request for Additional Joint Permit Application Information

City of Alexandria submitted the following materials in response to a second request by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) for additional Joint Permit Application information. 

April 5 – United States Army Corps of Engineers Issues Public Notice for Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Joint Permit Application

The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) issued a Federal Public Notice on April 5, 2019, regarding the revised Joint Permit Application (JPA) submitted to Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) and the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station project. USACE is accepting comments from the public on the application through May 6, 2019.

The City of Alexandria posted a Public Notice announcing this action by the USACE in the Washington Post and first-available editions of the Alexandria Gazette Packet and Alexandria Times, on April 11, 2019.

The full Federal Public Notice, including comment submission instructions, is available on the USACE website: www.nao.usace.army.mil/Media/Public-Notices/Article/1806450/nao-2012-02012/ and below.

March 11 – Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Request for Additional Joint Permit Application Information

City of Alexandria submitted the following additional information and resources requested by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality for the Joint Permit Application process.

February 26 – Virginia Marine Resources Commission Jurisdiction Determination Letter

Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) confirmed the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station project does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Wetlands Zoning Ordinance; therefore, the project will not require a VMRC-issued tidal wetlands permit.

February 6 – Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Revised Joint Permit Application

Posted below are the revised Joint Permit Application (JPA) and supporting materials the City of Alexandria submitted to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Virginia Marine Resources Commission on February 6, for wetland impacts that will occur during construction of the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station. 

Potomac Yard Metrorail Station JPA Materials:

2018

December – Alexandria City Council Approves Additional Steps to Keep New Potomac Yard Metrorail Station on Schedule

Alexandria City Council Approves Additional Steps to Keep New Potomac Yard Metrorail Station on Schedule

December 15 – City Council Approved Preliminary DSUP #2018-0017

City Council Approved Preliminary DSUP #2018-0017

City Council approved the preliminary DSUP #2018-0017 site plan amendment for the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station. The amendment included removal of the station’s south mezzanine and the associated ramp from Potomac Greens; removal of the southern pedestrian ridge across the rail corridor; and removal of the southern entry pavilion and ramp off Potomac Avenue. The amendment included the addition of a ramp from E. Glebe Road to the remaining pedestrian bridge, to provide improved access from south Potomac Yard.

December 15 – City Council Approved the Elimination of the "Tier II" Special Tax District Applicable to South Potomac Yard Residential Properties

City Council Approved the Elimination of the "Tier II" Special Tax District Applicable to South Potomac Yard Residential Properties

City Council approved elimination of the planned special tax district on residential properties located in the southern end of Potomac Yard. The funding plan for the station initially included two special tax districts. The “Tier I” district, which includes commercial properties in the north and central areas of Potomac Yard, took effect in 2011. The “Tier II” district was to include the residential properties in the southern end of Potomac Yard, and was scheduled to take effect after the new station opened.

December 11 – City Council Approved an Amendment to the National Park Service Agreement

City Council Approved an Amendment to the National Park Service Agreement

City Council approved an amendment requested by the National Park Service (NPS) to its 2016 agreement with the City of Alexandria regarding mitigation of wetlands under NPS jurisdiction.

November 19 – City of Alexandria Announces Updates on Potomac Yard Metro Station Entrances

City of Alexandria Announces Updates on Potomac Yard Metro Station Entrances

November 9 – Pre-Construction Survey Requests

The Contractor is required to provide pre-construction building surveys prior to commencement of construction, if requested by the building owner. All properties within 250 feet of any property boundary of the subject site shall be afforded the opportunity to participate in the pre-construction surveys. Specific to this project, additional properties may be included as approved by the Director of DPI. The map of the boundaries can be found here. The contractor will be contacting property owners to arrange for the surveys prior to commencement of construction.

October 30 – Federal Transit Administration 2018 Annual Report

Per the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Record of Decision (ROD) for the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project, the City of Alexandria is required to provide an annual summary report for the project to monitor and track the commitments and mitigation measures.

October 30 – National Historic Preservation Act Memorandum of Agreement 2018 Annual Report

Per the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project Section 106 Memorandum of Agreement, the City of Alexandria shall provide an annual summary report for the project.

September 27 – Public Notice for VDEQ Water Protection Permit 30-day Comment Period

To comply with the Clean Water Act, the City has applied for a Virginia Water Protection Permit (VWPP) from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).  The  VWPP stipulates the conditions with which the City must comply in order to allow the filling and excavation of wetlands for the construction of the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station.

On September 27, 2018, the City of Alexandria issued a Public Notice advertising the 30-day public comment period which DEQ has opened pertaining to the draft Virginia Water Protection Permit (#17-1756).  DEQ will officially receive comments within the period of September 28, 2018 – October 29, 2018.  The Public Notice was officially published in the Washington Post and the Alexandria Times on September 27, 2018.  The notice re-ran September 28, 2018 in the Alexandria Gazette Packet and in the Washington Post weekend edition on September 30, 2018.  Links below:

September 26 – Potomac Yard Metrorail Station - VDEQ Virginia Water Protection Permit (VWP) Public Notice

Potomac Yard Metrorail Station - VDEQ Virginia Water Protection Permit (VWP) Public Notice

September 26 – City of Alexandria Renews Environmental Commitments Related to Potomac Yard Metro Station

City of Alexandria Renews Environmental Commitments Related to Potomac Yard Metro Station

September 10 – Metro and City of Alexandria Announce Selection of Contractor for Potomac Yard Metro Station

Metro and City of Alexandria Announce Selection of Contractor for Potomac Yard Metro Station

August 6 – Joint Permit Application (JPA) Update

The City provided DEQ and USACE a summary of changes to the project design.  These changes included the deletion of the following elements:

  • South mezzanine of the station
  • Ramp from Potomac Greens neighborhood to the deleted mezzanine
  • Entry pavilion at East Glebe Road
  • Pedestrian bridge connecting deleted entry pavilion to deleted mezzanine
  • Ramp from deleted entry pavilion to the north
  • JPA Update #1
  • JPA Addendum to Update #1

July 18 – City Initiates DSUP Amendment Process

As previously communicated to the public, the design changes to the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station will require an amendment to the approved DSUP.  Although the design and documentation of the amendment will be performed by the contractor, once selected by WMATA, City staff have initiated the amendment process by making an initial submission on July 18. The initial submission will provide development review staff with an understanding of the project scope changes.

The initial submission, which can be viewed here, consisted of copies of the approved DSUP plans annotated to denote changes to the project, such as the reconfigured station access from East Glebe Road at Potomac Avenue.  Since the contractor and their design team are not yet on board, the initial submission consists only of elements previously discussed; no new design details or documents were generated for this submission.

 

May 21 – City of Alexandria Provides Overview of Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Design Change Process

City of Alexandria Provides Overview of Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Design Change Process

April 10 – Approval of Project Budget Adjustment

City Council and the WMATA Finance and Budget Committee approved raising the project budget to $320 million at the City Council Legislative Meeting on April 10, 2018. The meeting materials are available on the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project Public Engagement page.

April 4 – City of Alexandria Announces Next Steps Toward New Potomac Yard Metrorail Station

City of Alexandria Announces Next Steps Toward New Potomac Yard Metrorail Station

2017

October 30 – Federal Transit Administration 2017 Annual Report

Per the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Record of Decision (ROD) for the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project, the City of Alexandria is required to provide an annual summary report for the project to monitor and track the commitments and mitigation measures.

October 29 – National Historic Preservation Act Memorandum of Agreement 2017 Annual Report

Per the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project Section 106 Memorandum of Agreement, the City of Alexandria shall provide an annual summary report for the project.

October – Joint Permit Application (JPA)

2016

November 28 – WMATA Solicitation Notice and Request for Proposal

On November 28, WMATA issued its Solicitation Notice and Request for Proposal (RFP) for the design-build contract for the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station. 

November 1 – National Parks Service Executes Record of Decision

October 31 – Federal Transit Administration Signs Record of Decision

June 16 – Rezoning and Development Special Use Permits

On June 16, City Council unanimously approved the Master Plan Amendment, Map Amendment (rezoning), and Development Special Use Permit with site plan and associated Special Use Permits to construct a Metrorail station and associated facilities in Potomac Yard. The staff report includes a description of the project with staff's recommendation for approval with conditions. 

June 9 – National Park Service Statement of Findings for Floodplains and Wetlands

June – Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)  

The Final EIS compares the No Build Alternative with the Preferred Alternative for the project, identifies impacts of the alternatives, states how public comments received on the Draft EIS were addressed, incorporates further design and refinement of the project to minimize community and environmental impacts, and describes measures for avoiding, minimizing, or mitigating adverse impacts. 

February – Phase II Environmental Site Assessment

As part of the analysis for the Final EIS, a  Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) was conducted to better understand the potential to encounter hazardous materials during construction. The findings from this report will be included in the Final EIS.

2015

December 15 – Section 106 Determination of Effect for the Potomac Yard Metro Station Project - VDHR File No. 2010 - 0219

November 13 – Historical Architectural Effects Assessment Report and Appendices

September 17 – Draft Environmental Impact Statement Public Hearing Staff Report

May 20 – Alternative B Selected as Preferred Alternative for the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station

At a special meeting on May 20, 2015, the Alexandria City Council voted unanimously to endorse the construction of a new Potomac Yard Metrorail Station and select "Alternative B" as the preferred location. The designation of a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) is a key milestone in the process to build this Metrorail station, and now permits the development of a Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for expected release in 2016.

  • The Council resolution from the special meeting can be found here.

May 18 – Public Comment Period for the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station DEIS Closed

On May 18, 2015, the public comment period for the Potomac Yard Metro Station DEIS closed after having been open since April 3, 2015, when the document was published in the federal register. The City scheduled many opportunities for stakeholders to learn more about the DEIS and the benefits, history, purpose, and financial feasibility of the new station. Comments on the DEIS will be addressed in the Final EIS.

  • The Notice of Availability for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) in the Federal register can be viewed here.

April 30 – Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Board NEPA Public Hearing

April 24 – City of Alexandria Issues Staff Recommendation for the Preferred Alternative

April 16 – Public Hearing Display Boards

April – Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Draft Section 4(f) Evaluation

2014

May 15 – Digital Models of Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Build Alternatives

A series of digital models was created to show what a driver on the George Washington Memorial Driveway would see while passing each of the build alternatives for the new Potomac Yard Metrorail Station.  A video of the digital models can be viewed here.

2012

April 19 – Environmental Impact Statement Update Public Meeting

April 4 – Potomac Yard Metro Connection (EIS Newsletter)

February 6 – Environmental Impact Statement Alternative Refinement

2011

July 25 – Environmental Impact Statement Initial Screening of Alternatives

May 2011 – Draft Environmental Impact Statement Scoping Summary Report Appendices

February 10 – Draft Environmental Impact Statement Scoping Meeting

January 2011 – Draft Environmental Impact Statement Scoping Booklet and Handout

2010

June 12 – 2010 North Potomac Yard Small Area Plan

February 3 – Concept Development Study

1980

1980 – Plan & Profile As-Built

1974

1974 – Approved General Plans