King Street–Old Town station
| Company type | Washington Metro station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | December 17, 1983 |
| Headquarters | Alexandria, Virginia , United States |
| Owner | Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) |
King Street–Old Town station (previously known simply as King Street) is a Washington Metro facility located in Alexandria, Virginia, managed by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). Since its inauguration on December 17, 1983, it has provided service to both the Blue and Yellow Lines. It represents the last common transfer point for these lines before they split further south. Originally, only the Yellow Line served this station until the Blue Line extension from to began stopping here in 1991.
Situated at the intersection of King Street and Commonwealth Avenue, this above-ground station has entry points on King Street and Diagonal Road. Access to its single island platform is facilitated by one set of escalators, two staircases, and three elevators.
History
The station was initially planned to open in the summer of 1982; however, delays occurred due to a shortage of new subway cars and the absence of a test track.[1] Although construction was completed by mid-1982,[2] Metro postponed the opening until December 1983 to coincide with the availability of new rolling stock.[3] The official opening took place on December 17, 1983,[4] marking the completion of of track between National Airport and Huntington, along with the debut of , , and stations.[4]
A significant expansion introduced a second entrance and mezzanine across Commonwealth Avenue on Cameron Street, directly opposite the Hilton Hotel. This $16 million enhancement included a new canopy over the northern end of the platform that harmonizes with the original architectural style while maintaining unobstructed views of the George Washington Masonic Memorial. Opened in 2006, this addition also incorporated plans for a future pedestrian tunnel linking to the Alexandria Railway station.[5][6]
Originally named King Street, the station was rebranded as King Street–Old Town on November 3, 2011, in anticipation of service modifications scheduled for 2012.[7]
In May 2018, WMATA revealed plans for extensive platform renovations at twenty stations. Consequently, from May 25 to September 9, 2019, service on the Blue and Yellow Lines south of National Airport—including King Street–Old Town—was suspended to allow for platform rebuilding, installation of new tiles, upgraded passenger information systems, and other improvements.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Starting November 2018, comprehensive reconstruction began on bus facilities, parking areas, and Kiss and Ride zones. These upgrades were scheduled for phased reopening in Spring (bus services) and Fall (Kiss and Ride/taxi zones) of 2020.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Meanwhile, temporary bus stops were set up along Diagonal Road, Daingerfield Road, and King Street.
Between September 10 and November 5, 2022, King Street–Old Town was closed due to work related to connecting the Potomac Yard station. This closure affected all stations south of National Airport. Shuttle buses were provided throughout this period to accommodate impacted commuters.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Transit connections
Located adjacent to Alexandria Union Station, this facility collectively serves the Old Town Alexandria area and acts as a significant transportation interchange. There are proposals to construct an underground passageway enabling seamless transfers between heavy rail and Metro services; at present, travelers must leave the station and proceed along a narrow sidewalk on King Street. The station is accessible via both Metrobus and DASH routes. Additionally, a complimentary daily trolley operates with multiple stops along King Street, connecting directly to Old Town and the Waterfront. Car-sharing services are also offered nearby. The station is situated approximately one mile (12 blocks) from the intersection of King and Washington Streets and about 17 blocks away from the Waterfront.
Station layout
Positioned above King Street west of Diagonal Road, the station consists of an elevated island platform, featuring two fare control points that provide escalator and elevator access.
| T Platform level |
Southbound | ← Template:WMATA icon bound for Template:Wmata (Template:Wmata) ← Template:WMATA icon bound for Template:Wmata (Template:Wmata) |
| Island platform | ||
| Northbound | Template:WMATA icon bound for Template:Wmata (Template:Wmata) → Template:WMATA icon bound for Template:Wmata (Template:Wmata) → | |
| *S | Street level | Entrance/exit, bus bays, parking facilities, fare gates, ticket vending machines, station staff |
Notable places nearby
- George Washington Masonic National Memorial
- National Science Foundation
- Regent University, Alexandria Campus
- United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
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<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedWMATA 2011 station renamings