Washington Union Station Expansion Project

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

On June 12, 2020, FRA released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and Draft Section 4(f) Evaluation for comment. Since this time, FRA has developed a revised Preferred Alternative in consultation with the Project Proponents (USRC and Amtrak) and meetings with agencies and stakeholders to address comments to the DEIS, and is preparing a Supplemental DEIS to address the revised Preferred Alternative's potential impacts to the environment. The Preferred Alternative’s major elements include:

• Parking reduced to one level below ground
  • 65% reduction in parking capacity from the DEIS Preferred Alternative and 77% reduction from existing garage
• Improved traffic circulation in and around the station
  • Three street ramps to access parking and the pick-up/drop-off facility
• Bus facility that meets long term intercity and tour/charter needs with 38 or 39 slips
• Enhanced coordination with the private air-rights developer to create a high-quality public space at the H Street level

Public Participation and Comments

FRA is coordinating compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) consistent with 36 CFR 800.8. FRA continues to encourage public participation throughout the development and evaluation of the Project. Public participation in the NEPA process and Section 106 of the NHPA is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status.

The FRA website will continue to be updated periodically with project milestones, information about public meetings and other pertinent project information. Comments may be submitted by email to info@wusstationexpansion.com. All comments received will become part of the public record and be considered by FRA, USRC, and Amtrak. Thank you for your interest and participation in this important transportation project.

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