Metro Silver Line Extension Takes Big Step Toward Opening For Service

RESTON, VA —Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority assumed control of six new Silver Line stations, 11.4 miles of new track and a new rail yard, according to a Metro new release.

That puts the long-anticipated opening of the Silver Line extension one big step closer to becoming a reality.

For months, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority has been running tests on the track and rail components beyond the Wiehle-Reston East Station, which is the Silver Line's current endpoint.

At 6 a.m. Thursday, MWAA handed over control of those facilities to Metro, signally that project had attained its "operational readiness date."

“This milestone enables our team to test the tracks and systems, train and familiarize our workforce on yard operations, mainline and stations and ensure that we provide safe and reliable service for customers on the extension,” said Andy Off, Metro's interim general manager and CEO. “We look forward to opening the new stations soon and delivering high quality rail connections to Dulles Airport and Loudoun County.”

In July 2014, Phase 1 of the Silver Line opened, adding five stations from McLean to Reston. Since then, residents west of Tysons have been waiting for Metrorail to extend service to Washington Dulles International Airport and beyond.

“While there is still more work to do, achieving this milestone towards opening the Silver Line Extension will create jobs, improve economic vitality and increase ridership for the region," Metro board Chairman Paul C. Smedberg said in a release. "We appreciate the support and understanding of our jurisdictional partners and customers as we work towards project completion.”

Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn, who chairs the Fairfax County Board of Supervisor's transportation committee, told Patch Thursday that he was happy to hear the news about the handoff.

"Reston, the Dulles Corridor and the region have long awaited today's news of operational readiness for Phase 2 of the Silver Line," he said. "Years of investment in infrastructure, development and economic opportunities will soon pay off for residents and businesses in Fairfax County and our neighboring jurisdictions. We're all looking forwarding to WMATA's announcement of when we can open the gates to riders and get these trains rolling."

Once the Metro Board of Directors has finalized the handoff of the line from MWAA, it will determine the appropriate opening date for the Reston Town Center, Herndon, Innovation Center, Washington Dulles International Airport, Loudoun Gateway and Ashburn stations.

Alcon said that the opening could still be three or four months away.