At one of Arlington County’s busiest transit hubs, the Ballston‑MU Metrorail Station serves a growing number of pedestrians, cyclists and bus riders. To improve safety, circulation and the overall customer experience, Arlington County and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) partnered to redesign the station’s street‑level plaza into a modern, welcoming and more efficient multimodal environment. The improvements introduced new bus bays and shelters, expanded bicycle parking, enhanced public space, new landscaping and upgraded wayfinding to support the evolving needs of residents and commuters.
What challenges did STV address?
The transformation required active construction in a densely traveled urban space while minimizing disruptions to transit operations and daily rider flow. The project also demanded strong coordination among multiple agencies and stakeholders, as well as robust public outreach to ensure that community members remained informed and engaged throughout design and construction.
What solutions did STV deliver?
STV provided comprehensive construction management services from preconstruction through closeout, including cost estimating, baseline scheduling, procurement support and daily construction oversight. The team also led an extensive communications and engagement effort, coordinating with Arlington County to deliver stakeholder briefings, pop‑up engagements, surveys, public meetings and real‑time website updates to gather feedback and keep the community involved at every stage.
How does this project benefit the region?
The redesigned plaza improves pedestrian and transit safety, enhances accessibility, strengthens multimodal connections and creates a more welcoming gateway for riders using one of the region’s key Metrorail stations. The project supports Arlington County’s long‑term sustainability and mobility goals.
Key stats and accolades
- New bus bays and shelters improving rider comfort
- Expanded bicycle parking and enhanced public space
- Upgraded landscaping and wayfinding features
- Comprehensive construction management and outreach program
