24 replies to this topic

[KevinKorell]

Inside NoVa, 11/20/19:

 

 

   5 years later, battle scars over Columbia Pike streetcar are still healing   

 

 

Five years ago this week – Nov. 18, 2014 – County Board Chairman Jay Fisette stood somewhat grimly in front of a microphone and TV cameras to announce that Arlington officials were abandoning plans for a streetcar system in the Columbia Pike corridor.

 

Update

[KevinKorell]

Inside NoVA, 6/12/20:

 

  Candidates want better transit options on Columbia Pike  

 

 

Nearly six years after the Columbia Pike streetcar proposal came crashing down, there seems to be no stomach to resurrect the idea among candidates in the July 7 County Board special election.

 

Further update

[KevinKorell]

Inside NOVA, 9/11/20:

 

   Garvey: No regrets leading charge to kill streetcar  

 

 

It cost her the goodwill of many in the county’s Democratic ranks, and four years ago nearly cost her her job, but Libby Garvey says she has no regrets.

 

Another update

[KevinKorell]

And the idea is rearing its head again...... but in much bigger form.   Anyone for MetroRail on Columbia Pike rather than streetcar?    If streetcar could not be afforded, how could heavy rail be justified?    ARLNow,  4/5/21:

 

   Morning Poll: Metro on Columbia Pike? 

President Biden’s $2 trillion infrastructure plan has added a glimmer of hope to those who would like to see an expanded Metrorail system.

The initial planning for the system in the 1960s envisioned a line down the Columbia Pike, ultimately terminating in Annandale, but the proposed line was nixed in order to save on costs. A physical remnant of the planning is a pair of stub tunnels near the Pentagon Metro station, built to accommodate a potential future Columbia Pike expansion.

 

Story

[KevinKorell]

Gazette-Leader,  2/5/24:

 

 

      A decade ago this week, seed planted for demise of streetcar plan  

 

 

To some it is ancient history, to others still fresh, but this week marks the 10th anniversary in what proved, somewhat unintentionally, as a turning point in Arlington governance – and, ultimately, the death knell for the proposed Columbia Pike streetcar project.

 

Update