Columbia Pike Transit Stations
Location
Columbia Pike
Location map for Columbia Pike transit stations
Status
Construction
On July 16, 2019, the County Board approved a $1.6 million contract with Sagres Construction Corporation to build the first of 23 transit stations planned for Columbia Pike.
The first phase of the project will construct stations at 4 current bus stop locations; the work will occur in the following order:
- South Four Mile Run Drive eastbound
- South Buchanan Street westbound
- South Oakland Street westbound
- South Glebe Road westbound
What to expect during construction
- Normal work hours will be 7 am to 9 pm, Monday through Friday. Saturday work hours will be 10 am to 6 pm.
- During station construction, signage will direct bus riders to temporary stops located nearby.
- Since the stations will be built on the sidewalk, signage will direct pedestrians to detour around or across from each construction area.
- There will be traffic disruptions and lane closures during the project.
Anticipated construction timeline:
- Fall 2019 - Begin construction for first phase
- Fall 2020 - Complete construction for first phase
- 2020-2023 - Construction of the remaining 19 stations will be coordinated with the Columbia Pike Multimodal project
Columbia Pike improvements are moving forward in phases. As work begins on each section of the Pike, the first step is to underground utilities, followed by improvements to the streetscape, and then installation of new transit stations.
About the Project
New transit stations along Columbia Pike will serve two purposes: accommodate riders on the busiest bus transit corridor in Virginia, and serve the community’s vision of transforming the Pike into a more transit-oriented, pedestrian-friendly “Main Street.” New stations will make transit along the Pike easier, safer, more attractive and accessible – encouraging more people to use it.
Transit stations are designed to shelter more passengers than a typical bus stop and will be fully accessible. Each station platform will be 90 to 120 feet long to accommodate two transit vehicles. The stations will include:
- Large patterned glass roof and side windscreens to help protect from bad weather
- Real-time bus arrival displays
- Higher curb for easier boarding
- Lighting for safety
- Seating
Learn about project changes and improvements since the prototype station at Walter Reed Drive opened.
Bringing premium transit to Columbia Pike
The transit stations are a major feature of the County’s planned premium transit network connecting Columbia Pike, Pentagon City and Crystal City. The network will offer service that is fast, frequent, reliable and easy to use, with simplified bus routes, increased weekday and weekend service, and a new “one-seat ride” from Skyline to Pentagon City-Crystal City.
The first phase of service was implemented in June 2018 with a Metrobus 16 Line restructuring that streamlined 11 route patterns into five, while providing a net increase in service. Future phases will include a new Metrobus 16M, replacing the 16G/H/K, which will offer high-frequency service connecting Skyline, Columbia Pike, Pentagon City and Crystal City.
As part of the Columbia Pike premium transit network, the County plans to allow prepaid fare payment at the transit stations, which will allow for faster bus boarding. Arlington is working with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and other Northern Virginia jurisdictions on a uniform approach for this technology to allow seamless movement between transit systems.
Public art
Arlington Public Art is a partner on this project and is funding the fabrication and installation of a film that will be applied to the patterned glass roofs of the first four transit stations. Per the Public Art Program, Guidelines for County-Initiated Projects, Public Art staff will convene an Art Advisory Panel for the selection of an artist and the design of the film.
Public Process
In spring 2015 County staff provided briefings to community organizations and County commissions/committees on the progress of transit station design development.
April 2015 open house
An open house was held on April 28, 2015, for members of the community to review the 50 percent design and provide input on the importance of various station amenities and the proposed placement of station features.
- Columbia Pike Transportation Update and Transit Development Plan Overview
- Transit Stations Overview
- Open House Exhibits
Summer 2019 outreach
County staff are attending community events to inform residents about current and upcoming construction for the Columbia Pike multimodal and transit stations projects.
Read the flyer - in English or in Spanish - which summarizes both projects
Funding
The County's Fiscal Year 2019-2028 Capital Improvement Plan provides a total budget of $16.9 million for the 23 stations. This includes the above-ground structures and supporting infrastructure, site design, project management and construction costs.
The transit stations program is funded primarily by federal and state funds and local commercial real estate tax revenues that can only be used for new transportation projects.
The estimated cost for each station is comparable to stations for the Crystal City Potomac Yard Transitway and other light rail, streetcar and bus rapid transit systems across the nation.