Potomac Yard Metro Work Group to Meet Jan. 6

The Alexandria work group charged with analyzing the proposed Potomac Yard Metro station will have its next meeting at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 6 at City Hall.

The meeting, which is open to the public, will offer an update on the project planning as well as general updates on the developments at Potomac Yard, including the Route 1 Bus Rapid Transitway.

Waylaid by issues related to constructing the preferred option for a Potomac Yard, Alexandria officials are now examining moving the existing CSX tracks through the area to accommodate a station.

The city has delayed its environmental impact study of three station alternatives—two at-grade stations east of the CSX tracks and a third aerial station to the west of the tracks—as it sorts through some of the issues facing the project.

Cost estimates for the three alternatives currently range between $195 million to $462 million. The second at-grade station option, dubbed Alternative B, is considered the preferred option from the city and developers because it puts the density of the planned development closest to the station.

The selection of Alternative B also carries a $49 million contribution to the city from the developer of the Potomac Yard Shopping Center, which is slotted for a massive redevelopment after a Metro station is constructed.

Earlier this month, planners briefed City Council on the possibility of moving the CSX tracks to accommodate an alternative to Alternative B, a complicated effort that would move the station away from easement issues but add tens of millions to the project price tag and years to its timetable.