Arlington National Cemetery (Washington Metro)

Arlington National Cemetery (Washington Metro). The Arlington National Cemetery station is an underground Washington Metro station located in Arlington County, Virginia, serving the Blue Line. Operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, it provides direct access to the adjacent Arlington National Cemetery, one of the United States' most hallowed military burial grounds. The station opened on July 1, 1977, as part of the initial segment of the Metrorail system and was designed by architect Harry Weese.

History

The station's planning was integral to the original Regional Transit System proposals in the 1960s, intended to serve the massive workforce at the Pentagon and the visitors to Arlington National Cemetery. Construction commenced as part of the system's first phase, with the station opening concurrently with the line connecting National Airport to Stadium–Armory. Its development was overseen by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority in coordination with the United States Department of Defense, given its proximity to sensitive federal property. The station has undergone several renovations, including safety and accessibility upgrades to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Station layout

The station features a single, 600-foot-long island platform situated deep underground, served by two tracks for the Blue Line. Its design follows the Brutalist architecture style characteristic of early Metrorail stations, employing raw concrete and a series of large, coffered vaults. The mezzanine level is located above the platform and contains fare gates and a small concession area. A primary entrance pavilion on Memorial Avenue leads to a long escalator bank descending to the station, while a secondary entrance provides direct access from the Arlington National Cemetery Welcome Center.

Arlington National Cemetery

The station's primary function is to transport visitors to Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place for over 400,000 military veterans and their families from every major conflict in U.S. history. Key sites within walking distance include the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame, and the Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial. The station is a critical transit node for ceremonies, including Memorial Day observances and Veterans Day events, and for funeral processions, with dedicated access coordinated with the United States Army Military District of Washington.

Connections

The station is a major hub for Metrobus services, with several routes connecting to other parts of Arlington County, Alexandria, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.. Primary bus routes include the WMATA 8S, 8Z, and 87, which provide service to Pentagon City, Crystal City, and the King Street–Old Town station. The station also offers direct pedestrian access to the Mount Vernon Trail, a popular cycling and walking path along the Potomac River, and is a short distance from the Pentagon station for transfers to the Yellow and Green Lines.

Incidents

On September 11, 2001, the station was closed following the terrorist attack on the Pentagon, as the area was secured by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Arlington County Police Department. In January 2015, a passenger was fatally struck by a train, leading to a temporary closure and an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. The station has also been the site of several security scares and evacuations, often related to unattended bags, which are handled by the Metro Transit Police Department in conjunction with the United States Park Police.

Category:Washington Metro stations in Virginia Category:Buildings and structures in Arlington County, Virginia Category:Railway stations opened in 1977