City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: JUNE 5, 2013
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: RASHAD M. YOUNG, CITY MANAGER /s/
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Consideration of a Resolution in Support of the Alexandria Union Station - King Street Metrorail Station Pedestrian Tunnel Project. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
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ISSUE: City Council consideration of a resolution in support for the Alexandria Union Station - King Street Metrorail Station Pedestrian Tunnel Project.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council adopt the resolution (Attachment 1) supporting the Alexandria Union Station - King Street Metrorail Station Pedestrian Tunnel Project.
DISCUSSION: Virginia Railway Express (VRE) plans to construct a pedestrian tunnel that connects the mezzanine of the King Street Metrorail Station to Alexandria's Union Station and upgrades to the eastern VRE/Amtrak platform at Alexandria's Union Station. The $10 million project will improve ADA accessibility and passenger train operations and increase capacity of the station and commuter and intercity rail services offered at the station.
Currently, connectivity and accessibility are major challenges for individuals looking to access Alexandria's Union Station and the King Street Metrorail station. Individuals must walk under the existing Metrorail and CSX tracks and around the corner via a pedestrian walkway, parallel to King Street. Also, Alexandria's Union Station is currently served by two tracks, each with a side platform. In order to access the eastern platform, individuals must use an existing underground pedestrian tunnel, which connects the two platforms or an existing at-grade crossing of the tracks can be used. The existing underground tunnel is not ADA compliant and the at-grade crossing can only be used when directed by an Amtrak employee.
The King Street Metrorail Station was designe...
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