Foggy Bottom–GWU station
| Company type | Washington Metro station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | July 1, 1977 |
| Headquarters | Washington, D.C. , United States |
Area served | Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C. |
| Owner | Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) |
Foggy Bottom–GWU station operates as a Washington Metro stop situated in the Foggy Bottom area of Washington, D.C.. Managed by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), this station commenced service on July 1, 1977. It features an island platform and accommodates trains on the Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines. Positioned along I Street within the campus of George Washington University (GWU), it serves as the final westbound station inside D.C. before the rail lines traverse beneath the Potomac River en route to Virginia.
History
The inauguration of this station took place on July 1, 1977, aligning with the launch of rail service spanning from National Airport to RFK Stadium. This expansion included several other stations such as Arlington Cemetery station, Capitol South station, and L'Enfant Plaza station. The Orange Line began operations at this location on November 20, 1978.
Station layout
Foggy Bottom–GWU consists of a straightforward island platform flanked by two tracks: Track C1 is designated for eastbound trains heading toward and Largo, while Track C2 caters to westbound trains bound for , , and . The platform is equipped with edge lighting to signal arriving trains.
In 2008, following a successful trial at Gallery Place station, WMATA introduced red LED platform edge lights here. Architecturally, the station showcases a distinctive 22-coffer "waffle vault" ceiling—a hallmark of early Metro designs prior to the adoption of more minimalist concrete arch styles.
The facility includes a single mezzanine located above the platform, accessible via escalators that connect to both the platform level and the only entrance positioned at the northwest corner of I and 23rd Streets. The station operates two elevators alongside six escalators.
WMATA conducted an assessment in 2007 regarding the addition of a second entrance on the east side at 22nd and I streets; however, no construction has been initiated, and the proposed area remains undeveloped.
Location
Serving both the Foggy Bottom neighborhood and the campus of George Washington University, Foggy Bottom–GWU is also the nearest Metro stop to Georgetown. The station's address is at 23rd and I streets in Northwest Washington, just south of Washington Circle, directly adjacent to the George Washington University Hospital.
Service operations started on July 1, 1977. The World Bank headquarters lies one block south and eight blocks east at Pennsylvania Avenue and 18th Street. Approximately 0.75 miles (1.2 km) southwest is the Watergate complex. Further south of The Watergate is located the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.