The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), commonly known as Metro, plays a critical role in connecting communities across the Washington, D.C. region. Established in 1967, Metro was created to plan, develop, build, finance, and operate a balanced regional transportation system, with its first rail operations beginning in 1976. Over the years, Metro has expanded its services, now operating 98 stations and 128 miles of track to provide safe, clean, reliable transit service for more than 600,000 customers a day. Metro has continued to modernize its infrastructure to enhance safety, accessibility, and efficiency. As part of this ongoing commitment, Metro has partnered with Timmons Group on multiple engineering and surveying projects that support system-wide improvements.
Timmons Group’s Northern Virginia survey team established a deep and dedicated relationship with WMATA in 2019, starting with the successful completion of the Dulles Silver Line Shop and Yard project. This work led to involvement in multiple projects, including a new 250-bus maintenance facility, the station platform rehabilitation program, and the Silver Line extension. These projects focus on maintaining and upgrading critical transit infrastructure to improve reliability for the region’s growing population.
Surveying plays a key role in Metro’s maintenance and expansion efforts. Timmons Group’s team provides track control and clearance surveys, Amberg Trolley Track surveying, and laser scanning to support realignment and tamping operations. Crews also conduct boundary, topographic, and ALTA-NSPS surveys, ADA compliance assessments, and official D.C. Surveys to Mark and Wall Reports, to ensure Metro’s infrastructure meets safety and accessibility standards. Dedicated night crews support track maintenance and expand the system survey control network.
Innovation drives Metro’s modernization efforts, and Timmons Group enhances these initiatives by leveraging unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology to enhance infrastructure assessments. High-resolution UAV imaging has been used for structural inspections of bridges and overpasses, including the first-ever UAV flight in Metro history at Greenbelt Station. This data supports proactive maintenance and helps streamline decision-making for long-term infrastructure planning.
Metro remains a vital part of the Washington, D.C. region’s transportation network, providing reliable transit options to millions. Through continued collaboration, Timmons Group supports Metro’s mission by delivering high-quality engineering and surveying solutions that keep the system safe, efficient, and ready for the future.
