Tag Archive for 'silver line'

Federal Government Indecisive on Silver Line Funding

Published on January 17, 2008 in Transportation. 5 Comments

Rendering of a future station on the Silver Line extension in Tysons Corner.

A rendering of what one of the future Silver Line metro stations would appear like.

Despite meeting funding, ridership, and other requirements the Federal Transit Administration still might not fund the Silver Line extension to Wiehle Avenue. Here’s what the Washington Post says:

Officials with the Federal Transit Administration say they are concerned about the price tag and the specter of another Big Dig, the Boston project built by the same contractor in charge of the Dulles rail line, which took years longer and cost millions more than planned, according to the sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the negotiations are sensitive. In addition, the agency has been reluctant to promote large-scale transit projects.

The feds would be responsible for funding $900 million of the project, which is less that one fifth of the $5 billion price tag. Without the federal funding the project would be impossible.

While Metrorail to Dulles Airport is still possible, plans would need to be redrawn for Tysons Corner. Instead of having four stations in the heart of Tysons, the rail line would remain in Dulles Toll Road right of way, with a bus or light rail system making Tysons more pedestrian/transit friendly.

The FTA’s chief James S. Simpson was scheduled to meet with the head of the Metropolitan Airports Authority, owners of Dulles and National airport and the agency behind Silver Line construction. The meeting was canceled, and Virginia congressman are seeking a new meeting with Simpson to discus what exactly they view as wrong with the project.

The uncertainty of the project surprises many, since the project has met all requirements the FTA set. Meeting the requirements was not easy, nearly $300 million in features was slashed from the project.

A final decision on the projects fate will probably be made in February.

A January Start to Rail Construction, Maybe?

Published on December 25, 2007 in Transportation. 1 Comment

We reported a month ago that utility relocation - an essential step in rail construction - would begin in December. The outcry over even worst congestion during the holiday season delayed the start again. But now VDOT has announced relocation will begin in early January. We’ll see.

Washington Gas will move it’s gas lines that lay under Route 7’s service roads, and the project will take about four months. Other ulities will move overhead and buried gas lines. Route 7 will stay open during the process, but when unities cut across the road, nigh construction will be used.

The so called Silver Line project will be brought to Wiehle Avenue in 2013, and construction to Dulles Airport will be finished in 2016.

Silver Line Tunnel Supporters Endanger Rail to Wiehle

Published on November 27, 2007 in Transportation. 1 Comment

wiehle_interior.jpg

TysonsTunnel.org has sued several federal government agencies claiming many businesses will be adversely affected by the currently proposed aerial rail option. They’re seeking to prevent the rail from being constructed. Gairy Baise is their attorney, he also lost the race for Fairfax County chairman by a wide margin.

TysonsTunnel.org will be joined by Ratner Cos., the company actually claiming to be affected by the traffic congestion, and “unsightliness” of overhead rail.

The suit seeks to prevent the FTA from approving a full funding agreement, which would grant a necessary $900 million for the Silver Line’s extension. The group says they’re “Suing as a last option because political leaders have ignored them.” The FTA has not responded yet because they have no information regarding the suit.

Interestingly these companies will be even more adversely affected if rail is not built, and some companies might loose money in speculative land investments. Traffic congestion would be associated with an aerial or underground option, as both would require extensive infrastructure realignments. If their suit is successful it could possibly end the currently proposed rail plans.

Update 11/29/2007:

Ratner Cos has pulled out of the suit, after receiving word from their legal department. They also say “We don’t want to be viewed as blocking the rail extension.” It is probable that TysonsTunnel.org will be approached by other plaintiffs. If they can’t find anyone else the suit will be discarded. Thanks to John for updating us.

Dulles Rail Construction Might Start Soon

Published on November 20, 2007 in Transportation. 0 Comments

wiehle_exteriorIn the continuing saga of the metro rail extension to Wiehle Avenue, the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project has announced they will begin initial construction in a few weeks, despite the fact that $900 million in crucial federal funding still hasn’t come through.

One of the important steps is utility relocation in Tysons Corner. Gas lines, electricity, water and more must be removed from underneath Route 7. Most of the work will occur in the service roads, which will eventually be shut down and have a sidewalk put in their place. The work starts at the intersection of 7 and 123, and will head west, and then turn around. Work will not be done during peak holiday traffic hours.

This measure is seen by many as Fairfax County and Virginia strong arming their way to federal funding for the rail project.