Metrorail Silver Line Phase 2 systems tie-in begins

Following months of preparation, work began June 18 on train control systems that will connect Phase 2 of the Metrorail Silver Line to the rest of the rail system. This is a key step in moving Phase 2 toward completion. 

This tie-in work at the Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail station, which connects Phase 2’s computerized control systems to Phase 1 and the rest of the Metrorail system, is being executed by Capital Rail Constructors and its subcontractors with oversight from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) and the cooperation of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).

“The tie-in project is critical and complicated work that requires close cooperation and coordination among contractors and WMATA,” said Charles Stark, MWAA senior vice president and head of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project.

Months of preparation and coordination between Capital Rail Constructors, WMATA and the Airports Authority led to the initiation of the tie-in work, to ensure that software and other controls on both sections of the Silver Line will be compatible. The tie-in work is being completed during WMATA’s maintenance-related summer shutdown of stations along the Orange and Silver lines.

The Airports Authority and Capital Rail Constructors have a goal of completing the tie-in work by the end of July. Completion of Phase 2 will add six new stations along 11.5 miles of track from Wiehle Avenue to Ashburn with stops at Herndon, Innovation Center, Dulles Airport and Loudoun Gateway. Once construction is completed and WMATA takes ownership of Phase 2, WMATA will conduct additional testing and then set a date for passenger service.