Making improvements to more than just the platform under your feet

As we reconstruct the deteriorated platforms at the six stations south of Reagan National Airport to make them safer and more accessible, we’re also making improvements to enhance your experience.

When stations reopen and service resumes, some work will continue at each of the six stations in order to finalize the station improvements. Once completed, you can expect an enhanced station experience that will bring a higher level of safety, convenience and communication.

New safety features include slip-resistant tiles, brighter LED canopy lighting and lighted handrails on stairs. In addition, stations will have new platform surveillance systems (CCTV) and operator-connected safety call buttons that will provide a direct contact to station managers and the operations control center. 

Stations will have new stainless-steel platform shelters conveniently equipped with USB charging ports, new Passenger Information Displays (PIDS) with larger 55-inch screens, along with new platform intercom speakers for clearer public announcements and emergency notifications. Below are some highlights of the improvements being made at the six stations. Scroll to the bottom of the page for a complete list of improvements.

Slip-resistant tile

Stations will feature new eight-inch hexagonal tiles that are slip-resistant and match the original station tile design. New tiles are being placed throughout the stations – on the platforms and inside the mezzanines. The tiles are produced through a process called wire-cutting, which gives each tile texture and provides better traction in wet conditions.

Improved lighting

New lighting will be installed at each station, greatly increasing the brightness at each station. The new lights are being placed in the same locations and match the type of the existing lights to preserve the original station design, but the use of new LED technology will reduce energy consumption and maintenance costs. In addition, all existing stair handrails are being replaced with LED-illuminated handrails.

Upgraded platform shelters

Stainless-steel platform shelters, similar those at Silver Line stations, equipped with USB charging ports are also being installed. Each shelter will have 55-inch digital displays and new windscreens to provide protection from the elements. The digital displays will replace static maps and have the capability to display dynamic content such as service alerts, important messages and emergency information, if needed.

New Passenger Information Displays (PIDS)

The screens on the platforms (known as PIDS) that scroll through next arriving trains, service alerts and other announcements are being upgraded to digital screens. There will also be twice as many screens on each platform, making them more visible from more areas on the platform. Additionally, the information on the screens will be split, so that you can always view the train arrival times, while service alerts and other important messages will scroll along the bottom.

Each of the six stations will receive the improvements listed above, while some stations will receive additional improvements based upon station-specific needs.

Improvements to all six stations

• Slip-resistant tiles on platforms and mezzanines
• New stainless-steel platform shelters with digital displays and USB charging ports
• Upgraded passenger information displays (PIDs) 
• Improved platform speakers and PA system equipment
• New canopy roofing/skylights
• Refinished and new ceiling panels
• New platform surveillance system (CCTV) to enhance customer safety
• New passenger call button to directly contact station managers and operation control center
• Brighter, energy efficient LED lighting and lighted handrails
• Station cleaning and painting
• Renovated bathrooms
• Concrete repairs
• New bus shelters
• Fire/life/safety enhancements

Additional improvements at individual stations

Braddock Rd and King St-Old Town

• Escalator improvements
• Station canopy painting and ceiling improvements

Eisenhower Ave

• Escalator improvements

Huntington

• Escalator improvements
• New station entrance from the middle parking garage

Van Dorn St

• Bus Loop/Kiss & Ride improvements

Franconia-Springfield

• Pedestrian bridge painting

Click here to download our Customer Experience Improvements handout.