ARLINGTON, VA — Crystal City Metro riders are expected to have a second station entrance by spring 2027, providing easier access to trains, new elevators and an additional emergency exit at one of Arlington County's busiest Metro stations.
The project remains on schedule as construction continues this fall and winter, Arlington County officials said Tuesday. The new entrance also recently received an Envision Silver Award for sustainable design, becoming the first project in the Metro system and Arlington County to earn the designation.
The entrance is being built at the northwest corner of 18th Street South and Crystal Drive, giving riders another way to reach the station without using the existing entrance on South Bell Street.
County officials said the current entrance is approaching capacity during peak commuting hours and has limited emergency exits.
The new entrance will feature an above-ground lobby, with stairs and elevators connecting a new mezzanine to the train platforms. The improvements are designed to accommodate more passengers, improve accessibility and provide emergency responders with another way to reach the station.
"This second entrance will provide new, safe, and reliable ways for riders to access the Crystal City Metro Station," Arlington County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti said in a statement.
The project is also expected to improve connections between Metrorail, Metrobus, Virginia Railway Express, the Crystal City-Potomac Yard Transitway, Arlington Transit buses and the Mount Vernon Trail.
Construction began in July 2024, although plans to improve access to the station date back to the county's 2010 Crystal City Sector Plan.
Arlington County and Metro are working with developer JBG Smith, engineering firm VHB and Clark Construction on the project.
The new entrance earned an Envision Silver Award from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, making it the first public transportation station project in the Mid-Atlantic region to receive that rating.
Envision is a third-party rating system that evaluates infrastructure projects for sustainability, resilience and long-term community benefits, similar to the LEED certification program for buildings.
The Crystal City project was recognized for improving accessibility, encouraging public transportation use, enhancing emergency access and incorporating sustainable design practices.
The evaluation also considered stormwater management, construction safety, infrastructure integration and community involvement.
"This award recognizes Metro's commitment to building resilient infrastructure that makes our system safer and more accessible," Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke said.
The entrance is expected to open in spring 2027, although county officials have not provided a specific opening date.
More information is available on Arlington County's Crystal City Metro Station East Entrance project page.
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