Dulles Corridor Metrorail Phase 2 — Washington, D.C.

Client

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority

Project Value

$1.7 Billion

Market

Aviation, Rail, Transportation

Services

Alternative Project Delivery

We led the design for Phase 2 of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Extension, which expanded the rail system by 11.4 miles from Wiehle Reston Station to Dulles International Airport and into eastern Loudoun County. We delivered track, structures, stations, and systems that improved mobility and supported long-term operational needs.

Our Comprehensive Scope

We provided full design services for the Dulles Corridor Metrorail, including:

Track and structures
Stations and access points
Communications and train control
Traction power and clash detection

Track And Structures Design

Rail tracks and supporting infrastructure in the Dulles International Airport Access Highway (DIAAH) and the Dulles Toll Road (DTR) rights-of-way included roadway improvements, bridge structures, relocation and installation of existing utilities, and stormwater management facilities.

New staircase in the renovated Dulles Metrorail

Rail tracks on elevated (aerial) structures and supporting infrastructure within the boundaries of Dulles International Airport included tracks for regular revenue service, tracks for yard and shop access, roadway improvements, bridge structures, relocation and installation of existing utilities, and stormwater management facilities.

Prestressed Concrete Girders For Long Term Durability

We selected prestressed concrete girders for the aerial guideway because we needed durability and consistent aesthetics. This choice met the 100 year service life requirement and reduced long term maintenance. The precast scope included:

Seven track miles of precast girder spans
596 girders for 226 mainline spans and 83 yard lead spans
Self consolidating concrete with 10,000 psi strength
A total bridge length of 37,831 feet

Stations Along The Dulles Corridor Metrorail Alignment

We designed six new stations, including five in the highway median and one elevated station at Dulles International Airport.

Each station offered pedestrian bridges, entry pavilions, access roads, and multimodal facilities. We also integrated communications, security, AC power control, and mechanical monitoring systems to support safe operations.

Innovation That Improved Performance

We reconfigured the Silver Line yard connection to reduce impacts to wetlands. By adjusting turnout geometry and adding a short tangent, we maintained safety while removing 1,280 feet of track. This change allowed single-column piers, lowered costs, reduced the project footprint, and accelerated the schedule.

Project Awards: Dulles Corridor Project Receives PCI Award

We are honored to win the 2018 PCI (Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute) Design Award for Transportation: Best Non-Highway Bridge for our work on the Dulles Corridor project. Learn more about the award.

Learn More About Our Rail Expertise

Fully optimizing our rail and transit systems is more important than ever. The challenges we face require a visionary approach to modernize transportation systems, enhancing both freight and passenger rail networks to reduce our dependence on personal vehicles, and improve our ability to move both people and goods within and between regions, and increase overall efficiency. Learn more about our full range of rail and transit services.