Arlington National Cemetery Expansion

In the heart of the nation’s capital, the Southern Expansion Project emerged as a visionary endeavor, set to profoundly reshape Arlington National Cemetery and the surrounding community. This integrated project encompassed two pivotal components: the Defense Access Road (DAR) Project, which aimed to realign Columbia Pike and improve access to the cemetery, and the extensive expansion of Arlington National Cemetery itself. To the north of the realigned Columbia Pike, land once known as the Navy Annex site was destined for transformation into a sacred space, accommodating approximately 82,000 interments, with a diverse mix of burial types, all set around a courtyard for ceremonies with full military honors. Buildings would rise in harmony with the cemetery’s architectural theme, and existing structures and paved areas would yield to this solemn expansion.

On the southern side of the realigned Columbia Pike, the project envisioned the development of the Navy Annex Parking Area for cemetery use, forming a new Operations Complex. This encompassed structures like a Parking Garage, Access Control Point, Administration Building, Warehouse facility, and storage facilities. The landscape here would feature ornamental security and boundary fences, lush landscaping, and all essential utilities, designed to provide the infrastructure needed for these facilities. To mitigate concerns related to cost and schedule risks, the project development team considered various alternatives proposed by the Value Team, focusing on minimizing earthwork, optimizing tunnel construction, and maximizing the potential of the South Parcel. These recommendations held the promise of a substantial cost reduction, ultimately ensuring the project’s efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

By adopting the Value Team’s recommendations, the project development team could realize a potential cost avoidance of more than 15% of the project’s capital cost.