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2nd Century Plan

Despite the vital role the station plays in the region’s transportation network, much of Union Station’s rail infrastructure and passenger facilities have been left largely untouched or decreased in size since the building was originally constructed in 1907. With regional train ridership set to double by 2040, the station is quickly being pushed beyond capacity. Due to the absence of much-needed improvements and renovations, the station’s safety, security and accessibility deficiencies threaten its long-term viability. As a result, Union Station is woefully inadequate and unable to meet the demands of a 21st century mobility-driven public.
The Union Station Expansion Project (SEP) is the result of nearly a decade of coalition and consensus building. The Federal Railroad Administration’s new project vision, released in the summer of 2022, is expected to proceed through completion of the National Environmental Policy Act review process with full stakeholder support. Through modernization, Union Station would not only expand upon the existing transit systems, but also position itself as one of the top multimodal transportation facilities in the world.
“This is an essential vision for ensuring that the rich legacy of Union Station continues to serve our residents and visitors in an iconic design of intermodal excellence and sustainability.”

Mayor Muriel M. Bowser, District of Columbia

(Sept 28, 2020 letter to USDOT)

The estimated $10.5 billion expansion project will help preserve and enhance the historic station. The plan outlines the complete reconstruction of Union Station which includes:

Complete reconstruction of 25 acres of tracks and platforms 

A new train hall 

Three new passenger concourses

A new bus station 

Newly expanded pick-up and drop-off facilities

Better connections to transit services 

These renovations will transform the station into an efficient, modern and comprehensive, multimodal facility to serve the region’s needs for the next century. The station expansion and modernization plan embody thoroughly researched and highly vetted practices in station operations, historic preservation and urban design.
“By enhancing the station’s role as a high-capacity multimodal transit center, the station expansion project will have a significant influence in allowing the region to achieve goals related to growth, efficiency, and competitiveness, as well as critical climate-related goals.”

– Federal City Council

(July 7, 2022 Testimony for NCPC)

Building a World Class Transportation Facility

Preserving Historic Union Station

Daniel Burnham’s historic station, completed in 1907, will retain its primacy as the symbolic and functional center of the larger multimodal facility and maintain its role as a gateway to the nation’s capital.

Air Rights Development

New world class Burnham Place neighborhood featuring residences, offices, retail, and mixed-use developments that will activate civic space, enhance connectivity to NoMa and Capitol Hill, and create over 5,000 permanent jobs.

World-Class Train Hall & Bus Facilities

The new train hall integrates different multimodal facilities and creates a light-filled station with added passenger amenity space. Bus passengers will be placed in the heart of the station, with 39 slips dedicated to intercity and charter buses.

Tracks & Platforms

Rebuilt tracks and platforms will unlock rail capacity growth by allowing alighting and boarding on both sides simultaneously, permitting longer trains sets and the double stacking of trains. The SEP will make Union Station ADA accessible for the first time in its history, enhancing equitable access to high-quality rail service.

Public Concourses

New Concourses below the rail tracks will facilitate quick train turnaround, enhance pedestrian flow and circulation capacity, and connect many modes of transit within the station to the surrounding neighborhoods.

Multimodal Connectivity

The SEP focuses on safe, convenient access for bicyclists and pedestrians, and is poised to create an exceptional multimodal experience that truly enhances and promotes access for all. An attractive and graciously proportioned bicycle and pedestrian path parallel with First Street NE will provide safe access from Columbus Circle up to H Street.
 

Station PUDO & Parking

The revised concept better prioritizes access for people over cars by reducing the size of the vehicle parking facility, and shifting it underground. New Pick Up and Drop Off (PUDO) and parking facilities will relieve traffic congestion at the street level and create safer pick up and drop off waiting areas.

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About US

The Alliance is a group of individuals and organizations from across the region who are committed to the restoration of Washington Union Station. The Alliance is led by former Secretaries of Transportation who believe that a significant federal investment in the project can jump start the renovation of the Nation’s Station.
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