Arlington Celebrates 20 Years of the Orange Line

Rush-hour commuters using Orange Line Metro Stations at Rosslyn, Courthouse, Clarendon, Virginia Square or Ballston had a special treat Wednesday, Dec. 1st., 1999. Anyone entering or exiting any of the five stations along the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor between 7 and 9 a.m. became part of Arlington's celebration of 20th anniversary of the Orange Line in the Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor. County and Metro workers gave away over 10,000 oranges - courtesy of Harris Teeter - and special 20th anniversary Metro pass holders at each of the five Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor stops.

Handing out oranges at the Rosslyn station

Smart Growth Exhibit to Remain on Display Until Jan. 6

As part of the December 1 celebration, past and present County and Metro officials unveiled a historic exhibit at Ballston Common Mall highlighting the positive effect that the Orange Line has had on development along the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor. The exhibit will remain in the mall until Jan. 6, 2000.

"These days, Smart Growth is a hot topic. As the region's population continues to grow, citizens and businesses are calling for improved public transportation, more mixed-use zoning and continued urban revitalization, but there were not many who recognized those needs in 1979. Luckily, Smart Growth was already on the minds of Arlington County's decision-makers when they worked with Metro to build the Rosslyn-Ballston portion of the Orange Line in the late seventies," said Paul Ferguson, County Board chairman.

County Board Chairman Paul Ferguson, right

"Since 1979, commerical and office space in the Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor has more than tripled, and the number of residents has increased almost ten-fold. Arlington officials used Metro as a way to encourage growth, and to revitalize the County¢s commercial core. This carefully planned strategy worked well, especially along the Orange Line, where five distinct downtown sub-markets - Rosslyn, Court House, Clarendon, Virginia Square and Ballston - have emerged," added Ferguson.

Steve Halkyard (left) of the Arlington County Department of Public Works and Chris Zimmerman, Arlington County and WMATA Board Member, handing out oranges and pass holders at the Court House station

Celebration at Ballston

County DPW and DED employees distributing oranges

More Orange Line Anniversary Celebration Photos...