20 Jan Long Bridge Project (CSX bridge from VA to DC) : Construct additional 2 tracks
Project to result in improved reliability, reduced passenger rail travel times, safety improvements, pedestrian bridge ADA improvements, and freight benefits. Project will double the existing two-track rail bridge across the Potomac River to four tracks by building a second parallel two-track rail bridge. The project is 1.8 miles long, and includes: a parallel, separated bicycle/pedestrian bridge; new bridges at George Washington Memorial Parkway, Potomac River (upstream), and WMATA Tunnel Portal; replacement bridges at I-395, Ohio Dr. SW, Washington Channel, and Maine Ave SW; and associated retaining walls. The Long Bridge is at 98% capacity in rush hour, 2/3rds is passenger rail. Unlocking this bottleneck is necessary for future growth of freight and passenger rail and facilitate faster train speeds. Project to result in increased capacity and reliability, including double the Amtrak trains in Virginia, and increased VRE service along the I-95 corridor. Lays the foundation for higher performance rail in the southeast toward Richmond, Petersburg, and North Carolina. Virginia has executed an agreement with CSX and entered into a MOU with Amtrak for funding. The Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision was issued in 2020 by DC DOT and lead federal agency FRA. PE through Construction will be led by DRPT/Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA). Expected project completion year 2030. TBD exact Federal/State/Local/Private funding mix.