Why it matters: Union Station is already a critical part of travel infrastructure for the DMV and the Northeast Corridor, and the renovation project promises to triple passenger capacity and turn the station into a high-speed rail hub.
State of play: After almost a decade of review, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) released its final environmental impact statement in March regarding the station renovation — a key piece of approval that allows the project to move forward.
- A study released last week — backed by parties including Amtrak, D.C., and the Transportation Department — outlines suggestions for how to best fund and manage the project and imparts a clear message: “The time to undertake the redevelopment of Union Station is now.”
Catch up quick: The renovation of the 115-year-old station — which is still in the project development phase — is expected to cost $8.8 billion and take more than a decade.
- Conceptual designs show Union Station’s historic main hall will be preserved, but the 53 acres behind it will be reimagined into a sleek, modern concourse with a train hall, integrated bus terminal, and underground spaces for pick-up, drop-off, and parking.
- Easy access to Metro, buses, taxis, and rideshares via new entry points are included in the conceptual design, as are ramps for bikers and pedestrians.