Transitway Extension to Pentagon City

Utility Work on S. Fern St. & 12th St. S.

Starting May 12, will be working on underground utilities at the corners of South Fern Street and 12th Street South. Sidewalk will be narrowed near ongoing work. Proceed with caution and follow all signs.

Location

This project will extend the Crystal City Potomac Yard Transitway north and west to Pentagon City., Arlington, VA 22202 View Map

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Status

Construction

Construction on Segment 2A (12th Street South from South Eads Street to South Fern Street) is expected to begin in early spring of 2025 and is expected to be completed in mid 2026.

Construction Impacts

During construction, 12th Street South between South Fern Street and South Eads Street will be closed to vehicles. Sidewalk and garage access to businesses and residences will remain open. Crews installed on the perimeter of the work zone for crew and community safety.

The project team is coordinating with JBG Smith as they conduct sidewalk improvements in front of The Bartlett apartments on 12th Street South.

Work hours for this project are Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Work Zone

About the Project

Overview Video

This project adds 1.1 miles to the 4.5-mile Crystal City Potomac Yard Transitway. With the extension, the completed Transitway will run from the Braddock Road Metrorail station in the City of Alexandria to the Pentagon City Metrorail station in Arlington.

Project Goals

Extend the bus only lanes on Crystal Drive to South Hayes Street in Pentagon City
Add five new transit station and station amenities
Sidewalk and signal upgrades

Project Segments

Project Map

Segment 1: Crystal Drive (15th Street South to 12th Street South & Long Bridge Drive)

Includes bus-only lanes and two new transit stations
- Northbound Crystal Drive at 15th Street South
- Westbound 12th Street South at Long Bridge Drive

See Segment 1 (w/ adjacent 12th St CS project) 100% Design Plans (September 2021)

Status: Segment 1 Construction was completed in Fall 2023. The County has taken measures to protect the shelters while they are not in operation. The County is working with the National Landing BID on placemaking during this interim period to bring art to the shelters.

Segment 2A: 12th Street South (South Eads Street to South Fern Street)

Includes bus-only lanes in the median traffic signal upgrades, signage and pavement markings, and three transit stations.

Status: Construction began in May of 2025 and is expected to be completed in summer of 2026.

Segment 2B: South Hayes Street (12th Street South to Army Navy Drive)

Connection with WMATA’s Pentagon City Center bus bays project on Army Navy Drive.

Project Background

Route Selection

In 2016, the County assessed the preferred alignment for the Transitway extension from the Crystal City Metrorail station to the Pentagon City Metrorail station. The assessment compared routes along 12th Street South, 15th Street South, and 18th Street South.

Final report

For the Transitway extension, northbound travel will follow Crystal Drive from 18th Street South to 12th Street South, continue west along 12th Street to South Hayes Street, and then north to Army Navy Drive at Joyce Street. Southbound travel for the extension will follow Army Navy Drive east to South Hayes Street, continue east on 12th Street South, and then south on South Clark Street to the Crystal City Metrorail Station.

Maps:

Learn about the difference between rush hour bus lanes and exclusive bus lanes – Understanding Transit Lanes

Environmental Review

Residents, business owners, building managers and bus riders were involved in the Transitway project’s environmental analysis and the design and locations of the Transitway stations. For more information about this public process, visit the Crystal City Potomac Yard Transitway page.

Planning History

2005: Interim Transit Improvements Plan for Crystal City/Potomac Yard corridor recommends a Transitway, and Crystal City/Potomac Yard Corridor Transit Improvements Project identifies 12th Street South for the alignment of the northern extension of the Transitway from Crystal City to Pentagon City.
2009: Crystal City Multimodal Transportation Study, as part of the Crystal City Sector Plan process, studies transitway alignments and identifies 12th Street South as the corridor for future extension of the Transitway to Pentagon City.
2010: County Board adopts the Crystal City Sector Plan, which identifies the alignment of the Transitway.
2012: Crystal City Potomac Yard Transitway Operations Plan completed.
April 2016: Crystal City Potomac Yard Transitway opens.
2016: County Board adopts the FY 2017-2026 Transit Development Plan and Capital Improvement Plan, which include the Transitway extension project with its alignment via 12th Street South.
2018: County Board adopts FY 2019-2028 Capital Improvement Plan, which includes the Transitway extension project with its alignment via 12th Street South

Public Process

Arlington County staff engaged with community members throughout the Transit Extension project's earliest phases.

Past Community Outreach

February 2025 - Segment 2A Construction Update

The project team communicated with nearby property managers, businesses and stakeholders of construction to begin in Spring of 2025.

March 2023 - National Landing Open House

The Department of Environmental Services featured information about the project at National Landing's march open house at Long Bridge Aquatic and Fitness Center.

March 2022 - Neighbors Notified of Construction Commencement

The project team delivered letters to residents near the construction site.

February 2022 – Project Update and Phase 2 60% Design Engagement

60% Design Plans

Meeting Materials