[OhioGuy]

Metro takes control of Silver Line extension, starting testing phase
The handover between the transit agency and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is one of the final hurdles to the project’s completion
By Justin George and Lori Aratani
Updated June 23, 2022 at 9:59 a.m. EDT | Published June 23, 2022 at 9:43 a.m. EDT

Metro announced Thursday it is taking control of the Silver Line extension, moving the long-delayed project a step closer to passenger service after years of delays. Transit officials said riders could begin boarding trains this fall.

The handover between the transit agency and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which is overseeing construction of the 11.4-mile rail extension to Dulles International Airport and Loudoun County, is one of the final hurdles to the project’s completion.

Metro officials did not provide an opening date Thursday during a regular board meeting.

MWAA declared the project substantially completed in December. Since then, Metro and airports authority officials have gone over items that are incomplete or were flagged out of concern. With Metro’s declaration of “operational readiness,” the transit agency will gain provisional control of the extension for testing.

Metro would not gain full ownership until the line is about to open.