Union Station Expansion Project

The project is needed to improve rail capacity, reliability, safety, efficiency, accessibility, and security, for both current and future long-term railroad operations at this historic station. The major project components include reconfiguration of the station tracks, a new train hall, bus facilities, and replacement parking facilities.

NEPA Process
FRA previously prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to evaluate the proposed project. NCPC is a cooperating agency due to the Commission’s approval authority for projects on federal land. The historic station, existing parking structure, and bus facilities are located on federal (FRA) land. In response to comments on the DEIS, and the development of a new alternative, FRA is now preparing a supplemental EIS.

NCPC Review
The Commission will review site and building plans for the FRA project as they are developed. Most recently, NCPC reviewed and expressed support for concept plans for the project in July 2022. Subsequent preliminary and final reviews will occur as the project design development advances.

Adjacent Development
NCPC has reviewed several separate projects in and near Union Station. These include perimeter security (2008) and the Metro Station access and capacity enhancements (2014). NCPC will review referrals from the Zoning Commission for comments regarding the proposed private air rights development adjacent to the station. NCPC recently heard an Information Presentation on this development.