Washington Union Station Expansion Project

Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC), in coordination with Amtrak, is proposing the Washington Union Station Expansion Project (the Project) to expand and modernize Union Station (Station), the National Capital Region’s principal intermodal transportation hub. The Project would provide a positive customer experience; support current and future rail service and operational needs; facilitate intermodal transportation; preserve and maintain the historic Station; sustain the economic viability of the Station; and integrate the Station with the adjacent neighborhoods, businesses, and planned development.   

In June 2020, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and Draft Section 4(f) Evaluation for public comment in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). In response to comments on the DEIS, a new alternative was developed (Alternative F) and identified as the Project’s Preferred Alternative in July 2022. 

The new Preferred Alternative’s major distinctive elements include:

• Below-ground pick-up/drop-off and parking facility, including  

  • approximately 65% reduction in parking capacity compared to the 2020 DEIS Preferred Alternative and 77% reduction compared to the existing garage, and 

  • ramps to access the pick-up/drop-off and parking facility on G Street NE and First Street NE. 

• Bus facility integrated with the H Street deck above the rail terminal and the east-west train hall that meets long-term intercity and tour/charter needs with 38 or 39 slips (with available overflow space on the H Street deck capable of accommodating approximately 15 buses in times of very high demand). 

• Enhanced opportunities for a symmetrical public space at the H Street deck level commensurate with Union Station’s historic and architectural significance, to be established by the developer of the adjacent privately-owned air rights. 

Public Participation and Comments

FRA is coordinating NEPA compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) consistent with 36 CFR 800.8. 

On May 12, 2023, FRA issued a Supplemental DEIS (SDEIS), Draft Programmatic Agreement (PA), and Draft Section 4(f) Evaluation to address the new Preferred Alternative's potential impacts on the human and natural environment. Comments on these documents were accepted through July 6, 2023.

FRA considers all comments received and the comments are part of the public record. FRA encourages public participation throughout the development and evaluation of the Project. Public participation in the NEPA and NHPA Section 106 processes is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status.

This website will continue to be updated periodically with project milestones, information about public meetings, and other pertinent project information. For frequently asked questions, please visit the FAQ link. For further questions and inquiries please email: info@wusstationexpansion.com

Permitting Dashboard

The U.S. Permitting Dashboard is an online tool for Federal agencies, project sponsors, and interested members of the public to track the Federal government’s environmental review and authorization processes for large or complex infrastructure projects. The Dashboard is part of a government-wide effort to improve coordination, transparency, and accountability. A link to this project’s page on the Dashboard is below.

• Permitting Dashboard Link