WMATA to open parking garage at Dunn Loring Station

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) plans to open a new 1,400-space parking garage at the Dunn Loring Station on Aug. 26 as part of a surface parking project at the site.

The authority will operate the structure, which was constructed by Mill Creek Residential and is part of a joint development project, WMATA officials said in a press release.

"The new garage is a welcome enhancement for Dunn Loring customers, who will now benefit from weather-protected parking, improved lighting and high-definition security cameras," said Patrick Schmitt, WMATA's parking director.

The surface parking lot now will become the site for the project's second phase, which calls for expanding capacity by 700 parking spaces. The lot will permanently close on Aug. 25 to accommodate construction. Phase 2 is expected to be completed in late 2014.