WMATA sets Silver Line opening date

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) announced yesterday it will launch Silver Line service on July 26.

In recent weeks, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), which oversaw the project's construction, has been working with its Silver Line contractor to resolve open work items. Several details still need to be ironed out — such as obtaining certificates of occupancy — but project officials say they will be addressed prior to opening day.

The Silver Line's five-station first phase will run from the Wiehle-Reston East station to Largo Town Center. Work already has begun on the project's second phase, which will connect Metrorail with Herndon, Washington Dulles International Airport and points in Loudoun County, Va.