VPRA Announces Service Changes Ahead of Long Bridge Project

Long Bridge Project

VPRA

RICHMOND - The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) announced service changes as a result of the Long Bridge Project.

Now that the Long Bridge Project has entered full construction with major construction activities, this necessitates daytime “work windows,” as noise ordinances prohibit certain work at night, says VPRA. These will take place throughout the construction areas in Washington, D.C. To preserve service and minimize impacts, the VPRA says it is working with CSX, NS, VRE, NCDOT, and Amtrak. CSX will adjust its freight schedules, while VRE and Amtrak’s ridership peak times will be preserved as much as possible during schedule changes.

Beginning January 12, 2026, these work windows will begin and last until the project’s completion in 2030. The project seeks to add a new two-track passenger rail bridge that traverses the Potomac River. In all, crews will work to add seven new bridges, five of which are for rail. According to VPRA, these bridges will stretch from “south of L’Enfant Plaza across Maine Avenue, the Washington Channel, and I-395 to the Potomac River.”

Priorities

In developing the plan for service changes, those involved sought to preserve as much current service as possible for both passenger and freight, create the “longest possible work window without interruptions” each day, schedule around Washington, D.C.’s noise ordinances, and seek to determine the impact of other projects taking place along the East Coast.

“While we are thrilled with the progress of the Long Bridge Project, we understand that these necessary service changes will be difficult for a number of our passengers,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA.  “We want those passengers to know that we did not take these decisions lightly, and we evaluated every possible scenario to limit the disruptions while providing our construction teams with the work window they need to safely complete the project on time and on budget.  Our goal is to offer as much service as possible while working to upgrade our infrastructure, with the final result being more rail service throughout the Commonwealth.” VPRA will communicate service changes to passengers through different mediums, including social media, emails, and updates to websites.

“Amtrak is proud to support VPRA with the Long Bridge Project, a transformative investment in rail infrastructure that will unlock new capacity, improve service reliability, and stimulate economic opportunity for generations to come,” said Amtrak EVP of Strategy and Planning Jennifer Mitchell. “While temporary schedule adjustments are necessary, we remain committed to delivering safe, reliable, and convenient travel options—including expanded bus-rail connections—to ensure our customers continue to reach their destinations with ease.”

“VRE is excited for the opportunities Transforming Rail in Virginia will unlock for the region’s passenger rail network. With the completion of the Long Bridge Project and other improvements along the corridor, we look forward to expanding VRE service to include our first-ever weekend and late-night service,” said VRE Acting CEO Dallas Richards. “Our priority remains unchanged—providing safe, reliable, and efficient rail service to our ridership. While we work to preserve as much of our current service as possible, we recognize that some riders will need to adjust their current commutes. VRE stands ready to assist riders through this process to make this transition as smooth as possible.”

Statement from Amtrak

To allow VPRA to complete this critical project, temporary Amtrak schedule adjustments will be necessary. During this time, Amtrak remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and convenient travel options, including expanded bus–rail connections, so our customers may continue reaching their destinations with ease.

Additional Reading

• Long Bridge Ground Breaking Held in Virginia
• VPRA Selects Construction Partner for Long Bridge Project – South Package
• Skanska JV, VPRA Sign Contract to Build Long Bridge North in Washington, D.C.