Community Corner

Silver Line Opening by July 4, WTOP Reports

The metro line was originally scheduled to open last year.

Could it be that there's an opening date in sight for the Silver Line? WTOP reports Friday that it the Silver Line could be up and running by July 4.

"Sources familiar with the project tell WTOP that based on the progress throughout the last few weeks, the contractor building the Silver Line could get approval to turn the project over to Metro within the next two weeks," the news station reported.

The new Metro line was supposed to open in 2013 but has seen construction-related delays. 

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The latest problems were speakers that weren't up to code in five stations that needed to be torn out and replaced, according to The Washington Post. Also, cable that allows for radio communication in the tunnel needed to be replaced.

Former Congressman Tom Davis who is chairing the project termed some of those ongoing problems a "soap opera," the Post reported.

Dulles Transit Partners was waiting on a list of fixes that need to be made before the opening date could be discussed.

An email from Bechtel, the parent company, to the Post read: “What I can tell you is that this is one of the most complex construction projects in the United States and the work being done now is not uncommon on a project of this magnitude,” spokeswoman Michelle Michael said in an e-mail. “We are working closely with MWAA to address outstanding matters as our focus is on successfully delivering this project.”


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