Silver Line Tunnel Safe, Study Says

The Silver Line tunnel under Tysons Corner is safe and will not need more work, according to a recent engineering study.

The Fairfax Times reports officials at the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority recently noticed the tunnel had settled about an inch into the soil. Contractors and an independent engineer conducted the new study to make sure the tunnel wouldn’t be too narrow to fit trains.

The tunnel runs Silver Line trains under the busy intersection of Route 123 and Route 7 in Tysons Corner.

According to the Times, MWAA President and CEO Jack Potter said the settling was normal and repairs on the tunnel would not be necessary. Potter also said there was no reason to be concerned for safety.

Nonetheless, an update on the review will be presented at the MWAA Board of Directors meeting on Thursday.

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova voiced concern about the settling during the March 14 meeting of the county’s commission for the Phase I Transportation Improvement District.

Officials said some settling was to be expected, but that MWAA would continue to keep an eye on the tunnel.    

Work on the first phase of the Silver Line is about 89 percent done and on schedule to bring commuters to Reston by December 2013. Approximately 98 percent of the tracks have been laid.