Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the new parking garage at the Wiehle-Reston Metro station.
315058 The Wiehle-Reston East Metro station on the Silver Line when it was under construction. (WTOP/Max Smith)
WTOP/Max Smith
This is the plaza level where riders will cross from the 2,300-space parking garage to a pedestrian bridge at the new Wiehle-Reston East Metro station. The station will be the terminus of the first phase of the Silver Line, set to open early next year, and the only Silver Line station to offer parking until the second phase opens. (WTOP/Max Smith)
WTOP/Max Smith
315053 This escalator will lead riders from the bus area and kiss and ride to the plaza where Metro riders will cross a walkway to the new Wiehle-Reston East Metro station. (WTOP/Max Smith)
WTOP/Max Smith
Construction continues Friday at the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station, which will serve as the terminus of the Silver Line until phase two is completed. Phase one will open to the public early next year. (WTOP/Max Smith)
WTOP/Max Smith
This view inside the new 2,300 space parking garage at the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station shows the bus entrance, bike room and bus area. (WTOP/Max Smith)
WTOP/Max Smith
A bus enters the new parking garage at the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station. The garage also provides access for cars and bikes. It is the only garage along the first phase of the Silver Line. (Courtesy Fairfax County Department of Transportation)
Courtesy Fairfax County Department of Transportation
Security cameras throughout the new parking garage will be monitored from a special room. LED lights reflect off the white paint to illuminate the underground parking garage, which also features cellphone and public safety radio boosters. (WTOP/Max Smith)
RESTON, Va. – With the Silver Line set to open in the next few months, WTOP got a behind the scenes tour of the place many drivers will park before they get on board.
The parking garage at the Wiehle-Reston East Station has about 2,300 spaces, a bike room and a bus vault that will see 108 buses come and go each hour during peak periods. It’s also the only garage along the first phase of the Silver Line.
Drivers heading to the lot will be able to turn from Wiehle Avenue onto Reston Station Boulevard or approach the station from Sunset Hills via Metro Center Drive.
Ellen Kamilakis with the Fairfax County Department of Transportation says like other garages attached to Metro stations, parking will cost $4.75 per day.
The garage has seven levels, five of which are underground. The top level, or plaza level, is open air and is where Metro riders will find the pedestrian bridge over the Dulles Toll Road to reach the station.
The next level down has the kiss and ride, bus circle and bike rooms. The secure bike room will only be accessible to people who purchase key fobs, but it is visible from the bus bays. The other bike area allows riders to lock bikes for free. Fairfax County bike planners expect to eventually put a Capital Bikeshare station there when the system expands to Reston.
Although the garage is five stories deep, Kamilakis says there will be cell phone boosters that ensure service for drivers who may need to contact someone for help with a flat tire. There will also be boosters for public safety radios.
The garage is lit by bright white LEDs that reflect off the mostly white paint.
It’s very bright,” Kamilakis says.
The Silver Line is expected to open to passengers early next year.
