DC Metro Expansion Links Tysons to DC
If you live in Northern Virginia, chances are good that you’ve seen the construction going on in and around Tyson’s Corner. The controversial Silver Line DC Metro expansion is in full swing, with phase one of the project scheduled to be completed by January of 2014.
What does this mean for residents? Well, first of all, it means that Tyson’s Corner and downtown Washington DC will now be linked by train. This should translate to less traffic congestion in and around Tyson’s Corner. This should also have an impact on the morning commute into DC from the West, particularly on I-495, the Dulles Toll Road and I-66. Second, it means that Tyson’s Corner and points west will more than likely experience a large amount of economic growth. Tyson’s Corner is already Virginia’s largest business district (and the 12th largest in the country).
The addition of modern mass transit access should lead to further economic development in and around Tyson’s proper. That’s the upside for phase one. The second phase won’ be finished until 2018, but once completed, it will link downtown to Reston Town Center, Herndon and Dulles Airport before ending all the way out in Ashburn.
The Silver Line will run from the new stops out west and then link up with the existing stops for the Orange and Blue lines going from Falls Church east into DC and end out in Largo Town Center in Maryland.