As subway ridership has exploded in Arlington, Metro officials Tuesday unveiled a series of recently completed improvements to the Ballston station, including three new elevators.
County officials also said expansions are being considered for Courthouse and Rosslyn stations.
The Ballston project added a second elevator on the north side of Fairfax Drive adjacent to the existing elevator, doubling accessibility on that side of the street.
On the south side of Fairfax Drive, two new elevators were installed and an underground passageway was added to connect the elevators to the existing entrance, officials said.
Metro officials said the station already averages more than 25,000 passengers per day, and that number is expected to grow as economic growth continues.
Arlington County Board Chairman Chris Zimmerman, a Metro board member, said the additions improve pedestrian safety, increase convenience and allow other transit services to better link to Metro. Zimmerman said other improvements at the Ballston station, including a new west entrance, should begin later this year.
Arlington officials are also considering other expansions at the Courthouse and Rosslyn stations in the near future, Zimmerman said.
The two-year, $10 million project was funded by Arlington County and was completed three months ahead of schedule, officials said.
Once a quiet blue-collar neighborhood dotted with bars, ethnic restaurants and used-car lots, Arlington’s Metro corridor running from Rosslyn to Ballston is booming with new condominiums, retail stores and office buildings.
At a glance
» Project started in September 2004
» Ballston Mall above the Metro station will soon be home to massive training facility for Washington Capitals
» Home prices in Metro corridor have doubled since 2000
