WASHINGTON — Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority officials have begun considering expansion of the DC Metrorail system, the Washington Post reports, and are weighing multiple proposals that include a new rail tunnel under the Potomac River.
The plans come as the Metro system is facing a projected $750 million deficit in its next fiscal year, but officials stress this is necessary long-term planning.
“It is responsible for us to be planning for the future and sharing with the region what’s possible and what benefit can come from enhancing the system, and that’s what this is really all about,” Metro board member Matthew F. Letourneau said, according to the Post. The board looked at a series of expansion alternatives during its Thursday meeting.“But I really can’t say loudly enough that this is a planning exercise.”
The report on expansion alternatives ranked two proposals as having the best service and economic benefits. One would create a separated Silver Line in place of the current version which shares of much of its route with the Blue and Orange lines. This would allow for express service as well as new stops in several locations. Another would alter the Blue Line to serve Georgetown and Union Station, extend to the National Harbor area, and continue to Alexandria via the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in creating a Blue Line loop. Each of these proposals involves a new Potomac tunnel; the first is estimated to cost $35 to $40 billion, while the price for the second is estimated at $30 to $35 billion.
In all, the report presented five expansion alternatives — four involving significant construction and a more modest plan relying on expanded bus service and infrastructure at two stations that would allow train turnbacks.
Officials say they need to continue the planning process to make sure they are prepared to meet federal funding requirements, and to be prepared for post-pandemic rebound or growth in ridership.
