An initiative to revitalize Washington, D.C.’s Union Station has taken a step forward with a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announcement that a key element of the process has been completed: the Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision.
The FRA says construction could take about 13 years and would cost about $8.8 billion. This is a rough estimate, says Union Station Redevelopment Corporation CEO Dave Carr. The true cost and schedule will be determined by the design phase, which can now get underway.
As well the money needs to be found for the project.
Preliminary plans include a reconstructed rail yard, a modernized train hall and concourse, an underground garage and pick-up/drop-off area, integration with bus facilities on the planned H Street deck, and better connectivity with the train hall, broadcaster NBC-4 has reported.
“There’s intermodal connections between bus, rail, commuter and inner city,” Carr told the broadcaster. “That’s all happening within a user-friendly environment. And it’s really a focus on the passenger experience.”
Renderings outline futuristic soaring ceilings, elevated windows akin to skylights, and glass walls that would allow travelers in the station to see the platforms and trains.
The Union Station Redevelopment Corporation, will need to identify funding sources and develop a funding plan. In addition, the U.S. Department of Transportation is looking at federal grant opportunities and regional partnerships to help, the FRA said.
Several agencies have a hand in ownership of Union Station, including the federal government, so it’s been a bit of a challenge to get everyone on the same page, NBC-4 reports. “However, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has made it one of her top priorities to revitalize the space,” the broadcaster says.
