First Test Train Goes Through New Potomac Yard Metro Station

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The first test train passed through the future Potomac Yard Metro station as the transit agency works to get the station open for service in Alexandria. The milestone comes after preparation work delayed the opening of the station until 2023.

The train's test ride provides a glimpse into the station before it opens on Metro's Yellow and Blue Lines between Ronald Reagan National Airport station and Braddock Road station.

Metro General Manager Randy Clarke said in a tweet that more updates will be provided as the work continues.

"This project has had some past complications but the team is working hard to get details right so we can bring new [Yellow and Blue Line] service to one of the fastest growing parts of our region," said Clarke in a statement.

Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson has been critical of the delays in opening the Potomac Yard station but praised the testing milestone.

"It's been a rough few weeks in the long history of our efforts to bring a new Metro Rail station to Potomac Yard, but the sight of the first-ever train travelling through the station a few days ago, is a big, big deal," Wilson tweeted.

Even when the six stations reopen on Nov. 6, Metro doesn't expect the Potomac Yard opening to happen in 2022. The previous timeline called for an opening in fall 2022. An update on the project delivery schedule is expected by Metro by the end of 2022.

Metro is continuing free shuttle buses through the extended closure, as well as free Metroway and free parking at the Franconia-Springfield, Van Dorn Street and Huntington stations. Virginia Railway Express extended its free fares for travel between zone 1 (Union Station and L’Enfant), zone 2 (Crystal City and Alexandria) and zone 3 (Franconia-Springfield and Backlick Road) through the end of the station closures.

After Nov. 5, the six stations will reopen, but train service is shut down between Pentagon and L'Enfant Plaza stations through May 2023 due to Yellow Line tunnel and bridge work. Yellow Line service will not run, but stations will be served by Blue or Green Line trains.

In other Metro news, the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission gave approval to gradually return more 7000-series trains. Metro said in a news release the additional trains will support the opening of the Silver Line extension before Thanksgiving and address crowding on Red Line trains.