Metro: Date Of Silver Line Opening Coming Soon

McLEAN, Va. (AP) -- The general manager of Washington's Metrorail subway system says he hopes to announce next week the long-awaited start date for Silver Line service in northern Virginia.

Richard Sarles told reporters on a conference call Monday that if all goes well this week, he expects to announce on June 23 an opening date for the $2.9 billion Phase I of the Silver Line.

Asked if the opening could come sometime in July, Sarles would only say the project is in the final stretch.

Phase I includes service from Reston through Tysons Corner at five new stations. The second phase will extend to Dulles International Airport but is years away from completion.

The project has been plagued by delays -- it was supposed to have opened in 2013.