Virginia historic preservation officials are raising concerns that the planned Metrorail station at Dulles International Airport will block sight lines of the airport's main terminal.
The terminal has been called one of the greatest architectural achievements of the 20th century, and the Virginia Department of Human Resources has said an outdoor Metro station would have "profound implications" on views of the airport.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is considering two underground options and two above ground options for the station. A consultant estimated that an underground station would cost $640 million more than an outdoor one.
One proposed outdoor location is near the airport's north garage, about 505 feet from the terminal. The other spot is on the arrivals roadway ramp in front of the terminal. Virginia architectural historian Marc Holma says he's concerned about both potential sites.
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