TranslateProject Overview
PROJECT STATUS: Construction
SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION: 2022 (Projected)
APPROVED BUDGET: $320 million
LOCATION: The Potomac Yard Metrorail Station site is located approximately midway between the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Braddock Road Stations along Metrorail's existing Blue and Yellow Lines. The area is bordered by the George Washington Memorial Parkway to the east and northeast, the Potomac Greens neighborhood to the south, and active CSX tracks, Potomac Avenue, and Potomac Yard Shopping Center to the west and northwest.
Virtual tours of the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station from Summer 2019 are available to view online:
Learn more about the history of Potomac Yard and the Potomac Yard Small Area Plan.
Construction Activity Alerts
Overnight Construction of Pedestrian Bridge
A noise variance has been issued to Potomac Yard Constructors for overnight construction to erect the pedestrian bridge over CSX rail tracks. This work is required to take place at night due to CSX regulations regarding work over the active roadway. Note, the work may not be continuous due to weather and availability of CSX work windows.
Start Date: March 29, 2021
End Date: April 26, 2021
Work Hours: 6 PM - 7 AM (Sunday - Saturday)
What Residents Can Expect: Crane, light tower, and boom lift noise throughout the night. PYC will insure the light towers and boom lifts are in place during daytime hours to minimize the noise and equipment alarms during nighttime hours. Without compromising a safe working environment, the light towers will be pointed away from residents’ homes as much as practicable.
For more information, please see Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Noise Variances.
Overnight Communications and Signal Upgrades
A noise variance has been issued to Potomac Yard Constructors for overnight construction to make communications and signal upgrades on the WMATA roadway. This includes installation of cable trough, conduits, and ballast. Equipment will consist of excavators, train engines and trailers, welders, generators, light plants, and hand tools.
Start Date: April 16, 2021
End Date: April 19, 2021
Work Hours: 6 PM - 7 AM
What Residents Can Expect:
- Site Wide: Excavator, train, light tower, and dump truck noise throughout the night. PYC will do it’s best to ensure the light towers are in place during daytime hours, but this work will move along the WMATA tracks, so relocation of equipment will be required throughout the night. Without compromising a safe working environment, the light towers will be pointed away from residents’ homes as much as practicable.
- 2601 Main Line Yard: Employee parking, use of office facilities, generators, movement of equipment, loading/unloading trucks
Pile Driving to Begin at South Pavilion
Potomac Yard Constructors (PYC) will be driving piles for the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station South Pavilion east the E. Glebe Rd. and Potomac Ave. intersection.
Start Date: March 15, 2021
Duration: Through May, weather permitting
Work Hours: 9 AM - 6 PM (Monday - Friday); 10 AM - 4 PM (Saturday)
Construction News
April 22, 2021 UPDATE
Construction Work
The dates and work duration periods associated with the following construction work updates are anticipated only and may be subject to change due to weather.
AC Switchgear Building
Activity: CMU wall installation and interior wall painting
- Timeframe: Ongoing
North Pavilion
Activity: Wall rebar placement; roof waterproofing and deck installation
- Timeframe: Ongoing
South Pavilion
Activity: Production pile driving
- Timeframe: Through early May
- See Construction Activity Alerts above for more information
Station Headhouse
Activity: Mezzanine Level: Installation of piping, walls, CMUs, and roof rebar
- Timeframe: Ongoing
Activity: Platform Level: Wall and roof installation
- Timeframe: Ongoing
Activity: Basement Level: Installation of conduit in crawlspace, CMU wall insulation, and ceiling insulation
- Timeframe: Ongoing
Activity: Station steel erection
- Timeframe: Ongoing
Station Platform
Activity: Between platforms: Installation of drainage system
- Timeframe: Ongoing
Activity: East and West Platforms: Installation of slab rebar
- Timeframe: Ongoing
Duct Banks
Activity: Excavation and installation of communication, ATC, and TP duct banks
- Timeframe: Ongoing
Pedestrian Bridge/Knuckle Pier
Activity: No activity at this time
- Timeframe: TBD
2601 Main Line Blvd.
Activity: Sub-contractor work trailer
- Timeframe: Ongoing
- Note: Generator in use to supply power to trailers.
Activity: Worker van service to/from construction site
- Timeframe: Ongoing
Activity: Construction material staging
- Timeframe: Ongoing
Construction Gallery
View A Collection of Photos Illustrating one Year of Construction
The following are photos from construction of the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station:
North Pavilion, Southwest Corner
Pile Driving for South Pavilion
Platform Drainage System Installation
Station Headhouse Structural Steel Installation
Pedestrian Bridge Decking Installation
All prior construction updates can be found in the Construction Updates Archive.
Project Schedule
Current as of March 22, 2021
Plans and Permits
See the approved plans and permits for the Potomac Yard Metrorail Station, including:
- DSUP #2020-10020
-
Landscape Plans
- Board of Architectural Review Approvals
- Noise Variances
- Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) - Virginia Water Protection Permit
-
United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) - Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 Permit
Haul Routes
See the Approved Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project Haul Routes
PYC Parking
Location: 2601 Main Line Blvd.
PYC is required to provide off-street parking for their workers, trucks, and trailers as a condition of the Development Special Use Permit (DSUP) approved by City Council. This lot will be located at 2601 Main Line Blvd., which is on an undeveloped block bordered by Main Line Blvd. to the west, Potomac Ave. to the east, Maskell St. to the north, and Swann Ave. to the south. The only point of access will be off Potomac Ave.
Construction site workers will be transported to and from the construction site via private shuttles. They will not be allowed to park and access the site from the street. The shuttle, construction vehicles, and the transportation of other project resources must follow approved haul routes.
If you witness a violation of these rules, please contact Brian Whiteley at 703.746.4091.
Click on the thumbnail to enlarge the image.
Construction Noise Variances
See a list of the construction noise variances issued for this project
Construction noise in the City of Alexandria is regulated through the Section 11-5 (Noise Control) of the City Code.
Use of construction devices and power equipment is allowed:
- Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday: Prohibited
Pile driving is allowed:
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
All construction is prohibited on the following holidays:
- New Year's Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
Additional information about the City’s Noise Control code, including the hours permitted for special construction activities, after hours work, decibel level specifications, and how to lodge a complaint, can be found on the City’s Noise Control page.
Questions and Comments
Please direct your questions and comments to Daphne Kott, Department of Project Implementation Design Division Chief, at 703.746.4055.