Washington DC: Rail transit

[nomarandlee]

I visit Tysons Corner once a month and have been doing so for the last 2 years. It's been interesting watching the transformation of the area in the last 6 months especially.

Does anyone have a link to a laymans map of potential density zoning around the new silver line stations. Particularity at the new stations built along the Silver Line? Thanks in advance.

[cambron J]

nomarandlee
I visit Tysons Corner once a month and have been doing so for the last 2 years. It's been interesting watching the transformation of the area in the last 6 months especially.

Does anyone have a link to a laymans map of potential density zoning around the new silver line stations. Particularity at the new stations built along the Silver Line? Thanks in advance.

The are dozen of articles at thetysonscorner.com that discus both future and present development in Tysons Corner. Some of the articles have before and after renderings of the changes.

[Nexis4Jersey]

• Video Link

[cambron J]

WMATA: Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project progress update e-mail 04 30 2015

Phase 2 Construction Marches Along at Dulles


Dulles Airport Construction: Girder Installation Horse Pin Run. Photo courtesy of Capital Rail Constructors

While ridership on Phase 1 of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project (Silver Line) continues to meet and exceed expectations since opening last summer, the pace of Phase 2 construction building. Most of the work continues to take place at Dulles Airport but work has also extended onto the Dulles International Airport Access Highway, Dulles Toll Road and Dulles Greenway

The design-build contractor for Phase 2, Capital Rail Constructors, is focused on building approximately 200 piers to support the aerial guideway at Dulles.

The first girders, which provide horizontal support to the piers for the aerial guideway, are expected to arrive in late winter and will be delivered to Dulles Airport. The girders average 150 feet long, 8 feet tall and 190,000 pounds. Delivery and installation of these massive beams will require use of multiple cranes which will, in turn, necessitate lane closures and possible detours on the Airport property. Project crews are developing extensive plans for managing traffic during this time and the public will be informed of any impacts prior to work beginning.

Work is also taking place on Autopilot Drive near car rental agencies and police/fire facilities. Work is these areas will intensify in the spring.


Dulles Airport Construction: Girder Installation Air Freight lane. Photo courtesy of Capital Rail Constructors

Dulles Metrorail Online

The Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project has updated online resources to better inform the public of project news. The www.dullesmetro.com website has been redesigned to include features that give an in-depth look at each construction area along the alignment, construction news on the homepage, photos and a live Twitter feed. The site will continue to provide background on the project, its route, stations, maps, environmental studies and other reports. In addition, the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project has launched a Twitter account, @DullesMetrorail to share construction information, project highlights and to be a resource for public inquiries.




Traction Power Network

The energy to move the rail cars on the Washington region's Metrorail system is provided by a traction power network, an electricity grid that supplies power to the rail cars. The 34.5 kV is the dedicated power line that will carry electrical current from the supply source to nine (9) Silver Line Traction Power Substations (TPSS) that will be constructed approximately one (1) mile apart, all the way down the alignment. To increase energy efficiency and utilize less electric conductor material, the electricity is transmitted at a higher voltage than the utilization
voltage.

Transformation and Power Conversion

Once the electricity reaches each TPSS, it passes through a transformer and power electronics, which step down the voltage and then convert the electricity for alternating current to direct current. It is direct current that will then power the future passenger trains via a Third Rail. Each rail car has four collector shoes that make contact with the Silver Line track's Third Rail and transfer the electricity to the cars.

Construction of the TPSS stations will begin this summer with TPSS #12 near the Reston Town Center Station site.

###

Link to PDF version not yet posted at Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project web site.

[202_Cyclist]

cambron_J -- thank you for the updates.

Unfortunatley, there was also this news earlier this week:

Silver Line is over budget and behind schedule

"The second phase of the Silver Line Metro extension is 13 months behind schedule and might not open for passenger service until 2020, project officials said Monday.

In addition, the rail line’s first phase, which opened in July, could be as much as $226 million over budget, according to current estimates. Officials said design modifications, along with work to finalize Phase 1, will add as much as $76 million to the project’s cost, putting its price tag at $2.98 billion. The first phase was $150 million over budget and six months late when passenger service began last summer..."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/...4f9_story.html

[cambron J]

202_Cyclist
cambron_J -- thank you for the updates.

You are welcome.

Unfortunatley, there was also this news earlier this week:

Silver Line is over budget and behind schedule

"The second phase of the Silver Line Metro extension is 13 months behind schedule and might not open for passenger service until 2020, project officials said Monday.

In addition, the rail line’s first phase, which opened in July, could be as much as $226 million over budget, according to current estimates. Officials said design modifications, along with work to finalize Phase 1, will add as much as $76 million to the project’s cost, putting its price tag at $2.98 billion. The first phase was $150 million over budget and six months late when passenger service began last summer..."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/...4f9_story.html

The quarterly update was published after the above.

I think the story is overblown. If you look at the big picture, the cost over runs on both phases of the Silver line are peanuts compared the cost over runs that happened in the 1970s and 80s after contracts were awarded. Back then they ware double digit percentages so far they are only single digit percentages.

I will also note that only one segment opening of the Metrorail system prior to the two segments of the Silver line were longer, the 12 mile National Airport to Stadium - Armory segment.

[Eightball]

Work continues on 3rd set of rails between dc and Richmond

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/...prss=rss_local

[N830MH]

Originally Posted by 202_Cyclist

cambron_J -- thank you for the updates.

Unfortunatley, there was also this news earlier this week:

Silver Line is over budget and behind schedule

"The second phase of the Silver Line Metro extension is 13 months behind schedule and might not open for passenger service until 2020, project officials said Monday.

In addition, the rail line’s first phase, which opened in July, could be as much as $226 million over budget, according to current estimates. Officials said design modifications, along with work to finalize Phase 1, will add as much as $76 million to the project’s cost, putting its price tag at $2.98 billion. The first phase was $150 million over budget and six months late when passenger service began last summer..."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/...4f9_story.html

Ah, man! I'm guess they have wait for a while. They will open in year of 2020 or earlier at that time. It won't be done anytime soon. I am pretty sure that they will have to be more patiently. Hopefully, everything will be smooth.

[202_Cyclist]

Alexandria Picks Site for Potomac Yard Metro

By Lark Turner
Urban Turf
May 20, 2015


Image courtesy of Urban Turf.

"The Alexandria City Council has picked a spot for the new Potomac Yard Metro station on the Yellow and Blue lines between the Braddock Road and National Airport stations.

The new site “places the station in the best location to serve the largest number of potential Metrorail riders,” according to a council resolution. It will sit at ground level east of the Potomac Yard Retail Center between the existing CSX railroad tracks and the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The council is hoping to create Alexandria’s NoMa with the new station and resulting development..."

http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blo...ard_metro/9915


The Washington Business Journal also has coverage of this.
Alexandria City Council picks a Potomac Yard Metro site
http://www.bizjournals.com/washingto...ard-metro.html

[202_Cyclist]

Maryland's governor thinks the Purple Line is too expensive, but wants to build a $10 billion maglev. Huh?

By David Alpert
Greater Greater Washington
June 4, 2015

"Maryland Governor Larry Hogan campaigned on cutting costs. Since taking office, however, he's expressed interest in throwing big money at numerous transportation programs—just not the transit lines that actually work and which businesses and residents want. His latest big spending idea: A $10 billion maglev between DC and Baltimore...."

http://greatergreaterwashington.org/...llion-maglev-/

[cambron J]

Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project, Pictures 03 28 2015

Preparation work has begun on the abutments for the bridge over Centreville Road.

Grading work has begun in the area of the Innovation station and extends to the east elevated abutment north of Aviation Drive.

The Steel for bridge over Horsepen Run was installed on 04 10 2015.

The first segments of the right of way barriers, westbound side, has been installed east of the Rudder Road overpass over the Dulles Access Road.

Work continues on the installation of the 34.5 KV power feed bus that runs the full length of the route. Most is happening between the Herndon and Innovation stations. I will also noticed they are also installing the feed from the Virginia Power Dulles Airport substation along VA-28 Sulley Road between the Toll Road and Frying Pan Road.

Staging has begun for the construction of the columns west of the Dulles Airport station.

The first precast girders for the elevated were set on the columns along Air Fright Lane on 04 21 2015. Two spans have been set.

The Column in the median of Autopilot Drive north of Rudder Road has been installed. The column cap has been partly completed.

All of the columns north to the east Dulles Yard lead junction are done. Two straddle bents columns that will support the mainline elevated over the eastbound Dulles Greenway off the shoulder have been installed.

The columns for both the east and west Dulles Yard leads are in various stages of completion.

Preparation for the relocation of the eastbound Dulles Greenway to accommodate the west Dulles Yard lead junction in the median is underway. The shoulder pavement has been milled off and grading is being done.

Nothing is being done along the Dulles Greenway west of VA-606 Old Ox Road. The preparation for the bridge over Broad Run remain unchanged.

Test track and Commissioning Facility

Track has been laid along the entire length of the right of way with the exception of the area in the vicinity of the contractor access south of Greenbelt Road.

Third rail segments have been delivered and are staged at various locations along the right of way.

I am assuming the crossover that access the test track along with the signal bases have been installed as those parts are no longer in the staging area in the south Kiss and Ride lot at the Greenbelt station.

Pictures at picasaweb.google.com/cambronj DCMP 06 07 1015.
Pictures at picasaweb.google.com/cambronj Greenbelt Test Track and Commissioning Facility.
Captioned thumb nails along with the above and past essays can be view at cambronj.blogspot.com DCMP 06 07 2015.

[202_Cyclist]

cambron_J:

Thank you for positing these photos-- this is a great update. All of the development along the Silver line shows how foolish it would be for Governor Hogan to stop the construction of Purple line.

[cambron J]

202_Cyclist
cambron_J:

Thank you for positing these photos-- this is a great update. All of the development along the Silver line shows how foolish it would be for Governor Hogan to stop the construction of Purple line.

I am going to have to disagree with you on that one. I happen to believe the Purple line will end up being Washington's version of Baltimore's White Snail.

[202_Cyclist]

Originally Posted by cambron J

202_Cyclist
cambron_J:

Thank you for positing these photos-- this is a great update. All of the development along the Silver line shows how foolish it would be for Governor Hogan to stop the construction of Purple line.

I am going to have to disagree with you on that one. I happen to believe the Purple line will end up being Washington's version of Baltimore's White Snail.

I appreciate your photos and updates but this assessment is just, simply, wrong. There has been billions of dollars of development either proposed or under construction in the Dulles corridor, specifically Tysons and Reston, that has occurred because of the investment in the Silver line. Montgomery Co. and Fairfax County are large, urban, inner counties that are competitors for new residents and employers. If neighborhoods in Montgomery County are congested, many residents will look to living in neighborhoods in Tysons and Reston instead.

This isn't just speculation-- the CEO of Marriott publicly said that the firm is looking to relocate to an area next to transit-- including FFX Co.

"“I think it’s essential we be accessible to Metro and that limits the options. I think as with many other things our younger folks are more inclined to be Metro-accessible and more urban. That doesn’t necessarily mean we will move to downtown Washington, but we will move someplace.”

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/d...-headquarters/

Additionally, Forest City has plans for a massive development in New Carrolton (the terminus of the proposed Purple line)-- partly based on the expectation of this important transit investment: http://www.bizjournals.com/washingto...nveil-new.html .

If Gov. Hogan is foolish enough to cancel the Purple line, I will go out and buy stock in Boston Properties, the major landowner at the Reston Town Center, since to some extent Reston is a substitute good for Bethesda and Silver Spring and many of the aging communities along the proposed Purple line.

[cambron J]

202_Cyclist
I appreciate your photos and updates but this assessment is just, simply, wrong. There has been billions of dollars of development either proposed or under construction in the Dulles corridor, specifically Tysons and Reston, that has occurred because of the investment in the Silver line. Montgomery Co. and Fairfax County are large, urban, inner counties that are competitors for new residents and employers. If neighborhoods in Montgomery County are congested, many residents will look to living in neighborhoods in Tysons and Reston instead . . .

I won't argue with you about what's happened in the Dulles Corridor.

The trip times will be slower then driving because the trains will have to contend with same traffic at cross street and the dwell times at the stations.

Development or no Development, I still believe the Purple line will end up being Washington's version of Baltimore's White Snail.

[Cirrus]

Hogan will build the Washington Purple Line, not the Baltimore Red Line

[anday]

Originally Posted by Cirrus

Hogan will build the Washington Purple Line, not the Baltimore Red Line

http://www.bethesdamagazine.com/Beth...Line-Go-Ahead/

http://www.bethesdamagazine.com/Beth...e-Purple-Line/

http://greatergreaterwashington.org/...-the-red-line/

http://greatergreaterwashington.org/...-the-red-line/

Just more articles.

[BrownTown]

Originally Posted by Cirrus

Hogan will build the Washington Purple Line, not the Baltimore Red Line

Is that the correct takeaway here? It sounds more like a poison pill since it pushes a much larger share of the costs on the counties which likely won't be able to afford this and so it won't be built.

[ardecila]

As the commenters at GGW noted, the counties could potentially afford this but it means making tough choices and prioritizing the Purple Line over BRT, roadworks, and other transportation investments.

[anday]

In Purple Line rail project, a tale of two counties

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/...0aa_story.html

"When activist Alice Bishop looks at the blighted shopping center along Kenilworth Avenue in Riverdale Park, where the Giant and even the IHOP have left, she thinks of downtown Silver Spring — and envisions the light-rail Purple Line bringing a similar economic lift to her Prince George’s County neighborhood."

“On Saturdays they have farmers market, and you see people all together. That’s my idea of a community,” Bishop said. “This community could be that.”

"The Prince George’s towns that would be served by the Purple Line are in dire need of a boost. But when Gov. Larry Hogan demanded more local funding last month to pay for the Purple Line, Prince George’s Executive Rushern Baker III balked, saying the county had ponied up plenty already. His counterpart in wealthier Montgomery County, meanwhile, said additional money would not be a problem."