WMATA selects construction contractor for Potomac Yard rail station project

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has awarded a $213.7 million construction contract to a Halmar International and Schiavone Construction Co. joint venture for the planned Potomac Yard Metrorail Station in Alexandria, Virginia.

The station will be built on WMATA's Yellow and Blue lines between the existing Braddock Road and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport stations.

The project will provide walkable access to regional transportation systems for northeast Alexandria neighborhoods, WMATA officials said in a press release.

The project's $320 million budget includes the construction contract and other direct spending by WMATA and the city.

The city soon will solicit public input on station design changes, which include plans to  improve access to the north entrance.

Construction is slated to begin in spring 2019, with completion by late 2021 or early 2022.

"For more than 40 years, our community has explored and worked toward the possibility of adding a Metro station in Potomac Yard," said Alexandria City Manager Mark Jinks. “The new station will improve neighborhood walkability and transit options while reducing traffic congestion."