Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Virginia

Amazon Won Transportation Perks for Its Crystal City HQ2

A pedestrian bridge would connect Reagan Airport with Crystal City. Photo: Crystal City Business Improvement District

It's super cool, sure, but Virginia taxpayers are paying for it.

Amazon's deal to create one of its two new HQ2 sites in Arlington calls for the state to spend close to $200 million on sustainable transportation improvements to make life better for 25,000 new workers. [PDF] That's in addition to the nearly half a billion Arlington and the state had already been pouring into transportation infrastructure in this area.

The state's promised investment is a markedly different approach than New York City and State officials used to lure the retail giant — forcing Amazon to set aside half of its estimated $30 million in property tax payments for a city-controlled "infrastructure fund." True, transit advocates say that far more money is needed to mitigate the impact of Amazon's Long Island City HQ2, but at least it will provide some privately funded relief for Queens commuters.

In Virginia, the Amazon deal means a new life for the most eye-catching project: a 900-foot pedestrian bridge across the George Washington Parkway and CSXT railroad tracks that will connecting the Crystal City offices to Reagan National Airport. The $30-million pedestrian bridge proposal predates the Amazon bid.

"It's a super cool project," said Steve Davis of Transportation for America. "It is kind of like the High Line (in New York City)."

The state has also agreed to expand capacity at the nearby Metro stations. The agreement promises Amazon an additional entrance at the Crystal City East as well as at the Potomac Yard Southwest Metro Station (a nearby new Metro infill station set to open in 2021).

Virginia set aside $28 million in deferred tax revenues for infrastructure projects but that amount won't cover the total costs. The second entrance at the Crystal City Metro station alone is reported to cost $78 million. Metro is reportedly seeking state funding.

The deal also entitles Amazon to "mutually agreed upon improvements to Route 1," a wide, high-speed road that runs through Crystal City. Right now the road is a nightmare for pedestrians.

Route 1 in Crystal City. Photo: Google Maps
Route 1 in Crystal City. Photo: Google Maps
Route 1 in Crystal City. Photo: Google Maps

Chris Slatt of Arlington County's Transportation Commission wrote on Greater Greater Washington that the road would be converted into an "urban boulevard" at a cost of $250 million as part of the deal. That's a nice chunk of change, but it will help make the area much more walkable and pleasant.

In addition, the agreement also calls for the expansion of the Crystal City/Potomac Yard Metroway bus rapid transit, which runs buses on partially dedicated lanes from Crystal City to the Pentagon and northern Alexandria.

Sustainable transportation advocates like Stewart Schwartz, executive director of the Coalition for Smarter Growth, said the proposal looks solid.

"Those all look like the investments we need," Schwartz said.

Amazon's expansion into the region could open the door to more ambitious projects, in the future as well, said Davis.  In addition, the region could explore linking Maryland Commuter Rail, MARC, to the area through D.C., he said, potentially with the cooperation of the state of Maryland, but that would be a complicated long-term process.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Advocates: Congress Must Stop Trump From Illegally Holding Back Sustainable Transportation Funds

Congress has a chance to restore order, seize back their power of the purse, and stop Trump from "pocket-rescinding" hundreds of millions for good transportation projects.

September 26, 2025

Friday Video: You Should Care That Your Car Is Spying On You

Yes, every device we own is probably harvesting our data. But the car might be the worst offender.

September 26, 2025

The State of Friday’s Headlines

Transit agencies from Rhode Island to San Francisco are facing budget shortfalls as a variety of factors create a perfect storm.

September 26, 2025

Revitalizing Cities With Small-Scale Manufacturing

One Rust Belt city is pursuing an innovative strategy to attract economic development and enhance urban livability.

September 26, 2025

The Real Reason the Far Right is Demanding Action on Transportation Violence

A series of brutal deaths on U.S. roads and trains is sparking outrage on the far right – and a push for some disturbing policy solutions that will only make our country more violent.

September 25, 2025

Everyone to Congress: Stand Up and Fight for the Infrastructure Funding You Allocated (And Your Constituents Need)

"The president has made it clear that programs outside the administration’s narrow vision for transportation will not be faithfully implemented," advocates said this week — and it's time for congress to stand up and defend their will.

September 25, 2025
See all posts