advertisement

---

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) recently proposed holding a public hearing in fall to receive input on a light-rail demonstration project in the Anacostia Corridor. The project would be used to demonstrate light-rail transit feasibility in the Washington, D.C., area.



Traveling on unused tracks from Pennsylvania Avenue to the Anacostia Naval Station/Bolling Air Force Base, the 33-mile line would include four corridors — Anacostia Corridor (Minnesota Avenue to National Harbor), Silver Spring to Anacosta, Woodley Park to Statium-Armory and Georgetown to Stadium-Armory. It would provide service to Anacostia, the far northeast neighborhoods, and the naval station and air force base.



WMATA and the District of Columbia Department of Transportation are conducting an alternatives analysis and environmental assessment of the project. The analysis is expected to be complete in 2004, and is necessary for the project to qualify for Federal Transportation Administration New Starts funding.



The alternatives analysis would include a preferred transportation mode for each corridor (light rail, tram or bus rapid transit), specific alignment, preferred station locations and proposed project phase-in.