Metro trains at junction point in motion by Jordan Barab used with permission.

WMATA plans return for Metrorail automated train system

WMATA plans on bringing back Metrorail’s automated train system for the first time in 14 years. Metrorail has had an automatic system since the 1970s, but it abandoned the system in 2009 following a deadly collision.  (Justin George / Post)  

Amazon pauses construction on second headquarters in Virginia

Amazon is pausing construction of parts of its second headquarters in Arlington.  However, the first phase of the campus is expected to open on time this June and will be occupied by 8,000 employees.  (Niiki Main / Gizmodo)  

DC to close all COVID centers by March 31

The District announced it will close all of its ward-based COVID-19 centers by the end of the month due to high vaccine uptake, increased availability of vaccines and tests, and low overall case numbers.  (Matt Blitz / DCist)  

Vacant lot in Shaw could become home to 40-unit apartment building

A vacant lot on 9th Street NW in Shaw could become a 40-unit apartment complex according to a newly filed plan with DC’s Historic Preservation Board.   (UrbanTurf)  

Arlington residents get one more chance to weigh in on missing middle

The Arlington County Planning Commission will hold a meeting tonight at 7 pm to allow members of the public to comment on plans to allow six-plexes to be built in more areas of the county. The plans are intended to boost the county’s housing supply.  (Christian Flores / WJLA)  

DDOT to proceed with H Street bridge replacement, despite Amtrak pushback

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) plans on replacing the H Street (Hopscotch) Bridge over the Union Station tracks by 2028. Amtrak has asked DDOT to rehabilitate rather than replace the bridge; Councilmember Charles Allen suggests Amtrak’s stance is because Amtrak has yet to complete a necessary plan for realigning the tracks. DDOT is committed to a rebuild.  (Hannah Denham / Business Journal)  

Maryland General Assembly delegation pushes transportation equity bill

The Maryland Transit Caucus, a group of 90 Maryland General Assembly lawmakers, held its fourth meeting and a press conference last week to push for the advancement of Senate Bill 19, which would mandate an equity analysis of every state transportation project. Four other transportation bills have been highlighted by the caucus as high priorities for this session.  (Bryan P. Sears / Maryland Matters)  

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