Greensboro station (Washington Metro)
| Company type | Washington Metro station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | July 26, 2014 |
| Headquarters | Tysons , United States |
Area served | Tysons, Virginia |
| Products | Metro rail services |
Greensboro station—originally known as Tysons Central 7 or Tysons Central—is a Washington Metro stop located in Tysons, Virginia, Fairfax County, along the Silver Line. It commenced operations on July 26, 2014, as part of the Silver Line’s inaugural phase. Serving as one of four Metro stations in Tysons, Greensboro plays a pivotal role in the area's significant redevelopment efforts.
Station layout
Greensboro station shares design similarities with Spring Hill station, having been constructed within the median of SR 7 and featuring a single island platform that accommodates two tracks. Distinct from other Silver Line stations in Tysons, its construction is partly at-grade and partly below ground level. Its architectural style is reminiscent of stations on the Green Line due to its sunken yet open-air configuration. This design arises because the station’s southern end acts as the western entrance to a tunnel connecting to SR 123, while SR 7 itself inclines upward toward the east. A mezzanine spans the middle portion of the platform, housing faregates and ticket vending machines; two elevated pedestrian bridges cross over Route 7 and meet at this mezzanine level. The platform elevation varies from at its eastern extremity to at the western end.
History
Greensboro station began service in 2014 during phase one of the Silver Line extension reaching Wiehle – Reston East. The planning stages included debate over whether to construct tunnels or elevated viaducts through Tysons. Ultimately, most of the line was built above ground; however, Greensboro was partially subterranean to facilitate a short tunnel connecting sections of Route 7 and Route 123.
The station experienced a temporary closure from March 26 through June 27, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with shuttle bus service resuming on June 28. It closed once more between May 23 and August 15, 2020, to allow for platform reconstruction west of and for construction related to Silver Line Phase II tie-ins. Service resumed on August 16, although trains bypassed East Falls Church during this period.
Location
Positioned in west-central Tysons, Greensboro station lies within the median of Route 7 (Leesburg Pike). The surrounding environment is predominantly commercial, with Pike Seven Plaza Shopping Center located just west of the station and Tysons Galleria situated to the east. Residential development nearby includes The Boro, a mixed-use complex whose initial phase opened in 2019 immediately north of the station. This phase features two residential towers, an office building, and a cinema complex alongside existing office properties.
According to data from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the segment of Leesburg Pike containing this station is Fairfax County’s busiest roadway segment, accommodating approximately 61,000 vehicles daily between Route 123 and the Dulles Toll Road.
Transit-oriented development
In response to traffic congestion and to promote pedestrian accessibility, the Fairfax County Planning Commission adopted the "Tysons Corner Urban Center Comprehensive Plan," coinciding with the Silver Line’s inauguration. Greensboro station serves as a focal point within one of four designated transit-oriented development (TOD) districts outlined in this plan. The area enclosed by Route 123, Gosnell Drive, Westpark Drive, and International Drive is identified as Tysons Central 7 District, intended for high-density mixed-use residential and commercial projects.
Tysons Central 7 is segmented into North and South sub-districts by Route 7. The southern sub-district covers 76 acres and emphasizes mixed-use developments featuring office spaces near the station with residential units positioned farther away. This area includes a "civic commons" serving as a central public space surrounded by government-related facilities. The northern sub-district spans a larger area of 102 acres and aims to foster an active, around-the-clock environment with building heights ranging from a minimum of 175 feet up to a maximum of approximately 400 feet. Planned infrastructure enhancements include transforming Leesburg Pike and Chain Bridge Road into landscaped boulevards equipped with medians and pedestrian-friendly sidewalks. These improvements will be supported by a structured grid of avenues and collector streets radiating outward from Route 7.
Station amenities
- Dual access points located on either side of Route 7
- Overhead pedestrian walkway spanning Route 7
- Designated zones for bus boarding and alighting
- Available public restroom facilities