D.C. airports authority tabs Stark to head Dulles Corridor Metrorail project

Charles Stark has been named the new executive director of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail project, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) officials announced yesterday.

Stark will oversee construction of the 11.4-mile Phase 2 extension of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's (WMATA) Silver Line from Reston, Va., to Washington Dulles International Airport to Ashburn in Loudoun County, Va. He succeeds Pat Nowakowski, who resigned earlier this year to become president of MTA Long Island Rail Road.

The Silver Line's first phase launched passenger service on July 26, extending the Metrorail system into Reston and Tyson, Va.

Stark has 40 years of experience in rail transportation, including 20 years in engineering and operations with some of the largest transit agencies in the nation. He also has held senior executive positions with private engineering firms, most recently as vice president and project executive for AECOM, where he managed several projects for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA).

In addition, Stark served as assistant general manager of Bay Area Rapid Transit and was executive officer for engineering and construction for LACMTA. He helped lead the team involved in rebuilding the World Trade Center complex and its public transit facilities after the 9/11 terrorist attack on New York City.

"It is unique for someone to have such extensive background in rail operations, systems and also civil engineering. We are especially pleased with Charles' leadership and successful track record in quality, safety, budget and schedule," said MWAA Vice President for Engineering Ginger Evans in a press release.

The Silver Line Phase 2 project will include six rail stations, including five at ground level and one on an elevated structure; nine entrance pavilions and pedestrian bridges; aerial guideways through Dulles Airport; and 89,000 feet of track. Engineering and design work began in July and the project is expected to be completed in about five years.