Metro Growth Plan Calls For New D.C. Tunnels

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Leaders of Washington's Metro transit agency are proposing new tunnels to help the system keep up with growing demand.

The tunnels are included in a plan presented Thursday to the transit agency's board of directors.

Metro says the plans include the possibility of new tunnels in the core of the system to separate lines that currently share tunnels. The plan also calls for building express tracks along the Silver and Orange lines in Virginia, as well as expanding current lines.

Metro management says an additional $740 million a year would allow the transit agency to prepare for growth of the system and challenged the region's leaders to develop a funding strategy. The district, Maryland, Virginia and the federal government contribute to Metro's operating and capital budgets, which total $2.5 billion.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)