Isn't a Subway for Washington, D.C., Just the Thing�

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Isn't a Subway for Washington, D.C., Just the Thing�

Serial Information: Civil Engineering—ASCE, 1978, Vol. 48, Issue 6, Pg. 80-84

Document Type: Feature article

Abstract:

After 100 years of dreaming and 10 years of design and construction, more than 22 miles and 28 stations of the Washington, D.C., Metro are now in revenue operation. When completed in 1983, the project, one of the most extensive urban rapid transit projects ever undertaken, will include 100 miles of track and cost $5 billion. Project management was divided among four consultants, one each for engineering, architecture, soils and construction management. More than half the Metro is underground, and geology is difficult. Part of Metro is in soft ground, the rest in rock. Geology required use of rock, soft-earth and mixed-face tunneling; cut-and-cover construction; and aerial structures. Underground stations have concrete arch coffered ceilings and numerous facilities to ensure passenger safety and comfort. The Metro is quiet because track slabs are supported on elastomeric pads that cut vibration and noise. About 180,000 passengers per day now use the Metro.

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