Metro News Release
For immediate release: November 15, 2004
Metro and the District of Columbia break ground on the Anacostia light rail demonstration project
Ceremony signals a new Start in D.C. mass transit history
Today, Saturday, November 13, at 10 a.m., the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) and the District of Columbia marked a major milestone in mass transit history - a groundbreaking ceremony for the Anacostia Light Rail Demonstration project. The ceremony was held across from the Anacostia Metrorail station at Howard Road and Shannon Place, S.E.
"With today’s ceremony, Metro marks another milestone moment in its remarkable history," stated Gladys W. Mack, second Vice-Chairperson of Metro’s Board of Directors. "This is truly a glorious day in the history of our city and particularly the history of Anacostia. The six-stop, 2.7-mile light rail service for which we are breaking ground here today will better connect our neighborhoods on the east side of the Anacostia River."
The District of Columbia Department of Transportation (DDOT) in cooperation with Metro, is constructing and operating a passenger rail demonstration project to serve the Anacostia area in Southeast Washington, D.C. The passenger rail service, known as the Anacostia Light Rail Demonstration project, will use the existing CSX Shepard Branch Industrial spur right-of-way, and the service will extend along the east side of the Anacostia River between Bolling Air Force Base and Pennsylvania Avenue, near the John Phillip Sousa Memorial Bridge.
"This service will help people who would love to use Metro but don" t live near the Metrorail stations at Anacostia or Minnesota Avenue," noted Metro CEO and General Manager Richard A. White. "For many residents of Anacostia neighborhoods, the light rail service will be closer to their homes than the buses that currently operate on the main streets in the community. Now, residents can walk to a light rail stop and climb aboard for a quick trip to other transit destinations."
The construction project will be completed in two phases. The first portion will involve site preparation, and the second portion will feature the construction of the stations, line work and the accompanying maintenance facilities.
Metro and the District of Columbia project that light rail service through Anacostia will begin in fall 2006. Metro’s Board of Directors has authorized an expenditure of $16.1 million to purchase the necessary light rail street cars, acquire real estate, and for site preparation work. The District of Columbia is covering all expenses.
"The Anacostia Demonstration project provides an opportunity to showcase high-quality, transit access to an area to serve accessibility, mobility, economic development and corridor preservation needs," stated Washington, D.C. Mayor Anthony A. Williams. "This demonstration project will also facilitate the local and regional understanding of new passenger rail technologies and the possibilities associated with this type of transit investment in Southeast Washington."
The demonstration project calls for the construction and completion of 2.7 miles of new track with seven at-grade crossings; the construction of six new stops at Pennsylvania Avenue; Fairlawn; Old Anacostia; Anacostia Metrorail station; Barry Farm; and the Bolling Air Force Base; the construction of a maintenance facility; and the installation of two traction power substations and an accompanying catenary system. The project calls for the purchase of three light rail vehicles to support the proposed operating plan of offering 15 minute service during rush hour.
News release issued on November 15, 2004.