METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

WMATA Sets Date for Potomac Yard Opening

The station will provide a wide range of benefits for Alexandria,Va., and the surrounding communities, including walkable access to regional transportation systems for residents in the northeast area of the city.

WMATA Sets Date for Potomac Yard Opening

WMATA continues working collaboratively with the City of Alexandria and the contractor to complete station construction.

Credit:

WMATA

2 min to read


The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) announced a new timeline for opening the Potomac Yard Station in May 2023. The much-anticipated infill station is located in Alexandria, Va., between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Braddock Road stations on the Blue and Yellow lines.

“We are excited to have an opening in sight for Potomac Yard Station,” said WMATA GM/CEO Randy Clarke. “Our team, the City of Alexandria, and contractors are working hard to complete the station and we look forward to providing new transit service to this rapidly developing area.”

Ad Loading...

Work to tie-in the station and new tracks with the rest of the Metrorail system concluded on Nov. 5, and trains are now passing through the station without stopping. WMATA continues working collaboratively with the City of Alexandria and the contractor to complete station construction. In addition, the agency and its safety partners will complete critical safety reviews and provide staff training prior to opening for passenger service.

The project was initiated by the City of Alexandria and is funded by tax revenues and developer contributions generated by planned new development in the Potomac Yard neighborhood, as well as state grants, loans, and regional sources.

The station will provide a wide range of benefits for Alexandria and the surrounding communities, including walkable access to regional transportation systems for residents in the northeast area of the city. The station is expected to generate billions of dollars in new private sector investment over the long term and eventually support 26,000 new jobs and 13,000 new residents. New development immediately adjacent and north of the station is a mix of retail, residential, and commercial development, including the new Virginia Tech Innovation Campus.

More Rail

An overhead view of APTA EXPO's show floor.
Management•by Alex Roman•October 9, 2026

Scenes from APTA TRANSform & EXPO 2026

Transit leaders, manufacturers, and industry professionals gathered in Chicago to explore new technologies, share ideas, and discuss the future of public transportation.

Read More →
METRO Magazine graphic featuring officials at a Florida rail funding announcement, with the headline “$416M Awarded for Florida Rail Crossing Upgrades and More.”
Rail•by Staff and News Reports•October 8, 2026

USDOT Awards $416 Million for Florida Rail Crossing Safety Upgrades, New Brightline Station

The projects aim to reduce risks for motorists and pedestrians at rail crossings while expanding passenger rail access along Florida’s Space Coast.

Read More →
Coastal railroad tracks run between a steep bluff and the Pacific Ocean in San Clemente, California, with rock barriers protecting portions of the shoreline.
Rail•by Elora Haynes•October 1, 2026

OCTA Declares Emergency to Protect Rail Corridor From Coastal Erosion

The California agency is accelerating shoreline protection and plans to place approximately 690,000 cubic yards of sand along the San Clemente coast to protect a key passenger and freight rail link.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
DRPA interns with program swag.
Management•by Alex Roman•October 1, 2026

More Than a Summer Job: Building the Next Generation of Transit Talent

The Delaware River Port Authority and PATCO have transformed their internship program into a hands-on professional development experience that introduces students to the breadth of transportation careers — and creates a pipeline for future employees.

Read More →
An Amtrak Airo trainset on the Cascades line
Rail•by Alex Roman•September 30, 2026

Airo Trains Make Their Amtrak Cascades Debut in the Pacific Northwest

Effective immediately, two cutting-edge Airo trainsets will join the Amtrak Cascades route, operating four daily trips between Vancouver, B.C., Seattle, Portland, and Eugene, Oregon, marking the first introduction of Airo trains into passenger service anywhere in the country.

Read More →
Rail•by Alex Roman•September 29, 2026

Florida's Brightline Announces Financial Restructuring

Brightline Florida says train operations will continue as normal as certain parent entities enter Chapter 11 and financial stakeholders provide $490 million in new long-term capital.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Bus manufacturing image from ENC
Technology•by Alex Roman•September 25, 2026

ENC Lands MATA Contract and More in Biz Briefs

In this edition of Biz Briefs, we spotlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility.

Read More →
Turning transit data into better decisions
Management•by Alex Roman•September 23, 2026

Strada360’s Steve Lassey on Turning Transit Data Into Better Decisions

From breaking down data silos to preparing for AI, Strada360 CEO Steve Lassey discusses how transit agencies can use technology to improve operations, customer information, and long-term decision-making.

Read More →
SEPTA Accelerate press conference
Management•by Staff and News Reports•September 23, 2026

SEPTA Details Accelerate Vision for Transit System

The plan outlines investments in trolley modernization, new Metro and Regional Rail vehicles, accessible stations, and more frequent bus and rail service.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Two MBTA railcars in station.

FTA Ends Direct Oversight of MBTA Safety Actions

The federal agency closed its remaining special directive to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities following a safety review that began in 2022.

Read More →