Groundbreaking for the final segment of the Green Line occurred on September 23, 1995,[2] and the station opened on January 13, 2001.[3] Its opening coincided with the completion of approximately 6.5 miles (10.5 km) of rail southeast of the Anacostia station and the opening of the Congress Heights, Naylor Road, Suitland, and Branch Avenue stations.[3]
Although this station is open-cut, and the next station east (railroad south) (Naylor Road) is elevated, there is an underground section of the Green Line's tracks between these two stations; additionally, the Southern Avenue station descends into a tunnel at its western (railroad northern) end. The construction and overall design of the station is similar to that of Greensboro on the Silver Line, and Arlington Cemetery on the Blue Line because of its depressed but open-air layout.
^Fehr, Stephen C. (September 23, 1995), "After 25 years of building, Metro nears finish line", The Washington Post, p. B1
^ abLayton, Lyndsey (January 14, 2001), "All Metro doors now open; Five new Green Line stations complete 32-year project, but expansions continue", The Washington Post, p. A1