![]() ![]() MARC Brunswick Line alternatives under study by Maryland Transportation Authority.ĭespite financial and political setbacks, MARC has maintained ambitions to bring new destinations into the network. Once Union Station’s renovations have completed, the commuter rail that serves it could have drastically better utility and reach several new destinations. If the Greater Washington Partnership’s vision becomes reality, MARC and VRE could combine into an all-day, bi-directional through-running system with headways as frequent as every 15 minutes for much of the system. Some of these extensions would plug DC into a much larger network of commuter rail systems in the Northeast. Both MARC and VRE have plans on the books for service increases and potential extensions to their networks. But Union Station exists for the railroads, and by 2040 their reach could take passengers to scores of new cities on one-seat rides from DC.Ĭurrently, five commuter rail lines terminate at Union Station serving commuters from Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. And most of the preferred alternatives for Metro’s next wave of major expansion bring another Metro line to Union Station. The DC Streetcar will get improved connectivity, and by then may likely have extensions to new destinations like Georgetown and Benning Road Station. Though this article will primarily focus on mainline rail destinations, the station remodel will include enhanced bus facilities, nearly tripling the number of bus slips which concievably will attract more commuter and intercity bus service to Union Station. And if American railways continue along their current trajectory, passengers at this beautiful station will have access to a cornucopia of new destinations from Union Station by the time the upgrades are completed. Though the historic headhouse will remain largely in tact, the station will receive a total makeover, modernizing every aspect of the intermodal center, improving connectivity, flow, and passenger experience. Fortunately, a multi-billion dollar rejuvenation has begun at the facility, which ought to see its completion around the end of the next decade. Now the busiest station in the US outside of New York City, its dated facilities struggle to keep pace with the growing tide of railway travel. Union Station has connected Washington to the nation’s rail grid since 1907. NCPC recently heard an Information Presentation on this development.The future looks bright for Washington Union Station Image by Ted Eytan on Flickr licensed under Creative Commons. ![]() NCPC will review referrals from the Zoning Commission for comments regarding the proposed private air rights development adjacent to the station. These include perimeter security (2008) and the Metro Station access and capacity enhancements (2014). NCPC has reviewed several separate projects in and near Union Station. Subsequent preliminary and final reviews will occur as the project design development advances. Most recently, NCPC reviewed and expressed support for concept plans for the project in July 2022. The Commission will review site and building plans for the FRA project as they are developed. ![]() In response to comments on the DEIS, and the development of a new alternative, FRA is now preparing a supplemental EIS. The historic station, existing parking structure, and bus facilities are located on federal (FRA) land. NCPC is a cooperating agency due to the Commission’s approval authority for projects on federal land. The major project components include reconfiguration of the station tracks, a new train hall, bus facilities, and replacement parking facilities.įRA previously prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to evaluate the proposed project. Project OverviewThe project is needed to improve rail capacity, reliability, safety, efficiency, accessibility, and security, for both current and future long-term railroad operations at this historic station. ![]()
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