$10B Union Station redevelopment might not start until 2019

What is described as the D.C. region's most important development initiative since the construction of Metro's subway system may not even begin until 2019. Union Station's $10 billion 2nd Century plan will give the entire development a huge facelift with over 3 million-square-feet of new mixed-use development, but all the improvements won't be able to start until the H Street, or Hopscotch, Bridge finishes reconstruction.

The bridge is located over First and Second streets NE and serves as the primary access point to the Union Station parking garage and bus deck, as reported by the Washington Business Journal. The preliminary design for the track reconfiguration should be complete by 2015, while the preliminary design for the new bridge should be complete by 2017.

While Council members have stated that they expect the bridge work to complete by 2019, D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson described the goal as "aggressive."

The Washington Business Journal reported that the initial work for the bridge will cost $20 million, and Amtrak is seeking an addition $25 million for the project. The D.C. budget recently invested $200 million into the project with funds dispersed during the fiscal 2015 through 2019 years.

Once the Union Station redevelopment begins, the developers will widen the rail platforms, add better pedestrian connections to surrounding neighborhoods, improve the existing main concourse, and build four new passenger concourses.

The developers in charge of the project are Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners LLP and Grimshaw Architects.
· Union Station overhaul doesn't happen until H Street Bridge is rebuilt. Here's when that might happen. [Washington Business Journal]
· Reimagining Union Station [The Washington Post]
· Grimshaw + Beyer Blinder Belle Chosen For Union Station's 2nd Century [Curbed DC]