WMATA opens long awaited Potomac Yard station
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) opened the Potomac Yard-VT Metrorail Station on May 19. The infill station connects one of Alexandria’s fastest growing communities to the region.
WMATA and the city of Alexandria first announced the opening date last month, following more than three years of construction. A team of WMATA staff will be on hand throughout the day to welcome customers to Potomac Yard -VT Station for the first time and will be giving away commemorative opening day pennants while supplies last. The station’s fare vending machines will also be stocked with limited-edition Potomac Yard SmarTrip cards in honor of WMATA’s newest station.
“We are gearing up for the start of service and can’t wait to welcome customers to the new Potomac Yard-VT Station,” said WMATA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke. “This station will provide better, more accessible transportation, spur economic growth and help reduce the region’s carbon footprint.”
The new station anchors new development in the surrounding community, including housing, retail, commercial space and the new Virginia Tech Innovation Campus expected to open next year. Long-term, it is expected to support 26,000 new jobs and 13,000 new residents.
The station was initiated by the city of Alexandria and is funded by tax revenues, developer contributions, federal and state grants, loans and regional sources. It is WMATA’s second infill station since NoMa-Gallaudet U, built between two existing stations, Braddock Road and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Potomac Yard-VT Station will provide customers with convenient access to Metroway and Alexandria DASH bus service and connect to other regional transportation systems, a Bike & Ride facility and walking paths to the station from the surrounding area. The station does not have parking facilities but is accessible via two pavilions, one on the north side and another to the south.
Sustainability was a focal point in the design including the artwork. It was built to LEED Silver green building standards with advanced rainwater management, energy efficient lighting and water use systems, uses low emitting and recycled materials in construction and minimizes the impact on the surrounding wetlands.
Artwork featured on the exterior of the two entrance pavilions recognizes the station’s Virginia roots and the proximity to the nation’s capital. Created by artist Rob Ley, the south pavilion features a representation of Virginia blue bells, with the famed cherry blossoms on the north pavilion.
Customers may still see some ongoing work after the station opens. This includes architectural details, installation of the South Pavilion artwork and setting up the secure bike and ride facility, which will initially open as covered bike storage.
