New $320M Potomac Yard Metro Budget Approved By Council

The Alexandria City Council has approved a $52 million increase for the future Potomac Yard Metro Station. The $320 million budget increased from the original estimate of $268.1 million due to rising construction costs.

City officials say the construction bids Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority received last year were much higher than the initial budget, which was based on 2015 estimates. The latest budget factors in cost increases for concrete, steel and labor. In February, the city and WMATA received revised proposals factoring in cost-saving practices.

With the city's stamp of approval, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority can award a construction contact. The city has already approved a special use permit for the project, but the contractor will have to request an amendment to implement cost-saving practices. The city will hold hearings later this year.

The station will be funded mostly through continuing development in Potomac Yard, special tax district revenue, regional transportation authority grants and developer contributions. Alexandria residents outside Potomac Yard won't be contributing tax revenue to the project.

The station will be on the Blue and Yellow Line between the National Airport Braddock Road and National Airport stations. Construction could begin as soon as late 2018. The station could open in late 2021 or early 2022 as developments continue to grow in Potomac Yard.

For more information on the project, visit www.alexandriava.gov/PotomacYard.

Rendering via City of Alexandria