Alexandria Fourth Track Project Breaks Ground (Updated 11/17)
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
Officials broke ground on the Alexandria fourth track project.
Virginia Railway Express via Facebook
ALEXANDRIA, Va. - A groundbreaking for the Alexandria Fourth Track Project, VRE Alexandria Station improvements, the King & Commonwealth Streetscape improvements, and the King & Commonwealth bridges replacement was held November 12.
According to the report, the Virginia Rail Express (VRE), Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA), CSX, Amtrak Virginia, Virginia DOT, and other federal, state, and local officials attended the groundbreaking ceremony.
The Alexandria Fourth Track Project seeks to add a fourth track dedicated to passenger trains. The $238 million project is a joint effort between Virginia Passenger Rail Authority, the City of Alexandria, Virginia Rail Express, and Amtrak. The project includes the design and construction of 6 miles of track between Arlington and Alexandria. This fourth track will separate passenger and freight that, as of reporting, share the same line.
November 17 Update
VPRA says once its Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative (TRV) is completed, the number of Amtrak Virginia roundtrips will increase from eight to 13 daily trips. As for when the projects in Alexandria will be completed, the targeted completion date is 2030. The projects are funded through the Commonwealth of Virginia, VRE, Amtrak, and the FRA.
“Today’s groundbreaking signifies the beginning of what will be a complete transformation of the rail corridor through Old Town Alexandria,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA. “By working with our partners, Amtrak, VRE, CSX, and the City of Alexandria, we have been able to develop a plan that combines a number of projects to benefit not just rail passengers but the local community as well. The upcoming construction footprint will be significant, but the outcome will be evolutionary and will benefit the community for decades to come.”
“This groundbreaking marks a pivotal moment in our shared commitment to expanding passenger rail in Virginia,” said Amtrak Executive Vice President of Strategy & Planning Jennifer Mitchell. “By investing in infrastructure that separates passenger and freight operations, we’re improving safety, reliability, and capacity—laying the foundation for more Amtrak Virginia service and a better experience for our customers across the Commonwealth.”
“This is an exciting moment for VRE, VPRA, and the several hundred thousand rail passengers who use Alexandria Union Station each year. VRE’s $133.7 million investment into Alexandria Station will significantly improve the passenger experience through upgrades that modernize and rehabilitate the platforms for utmost safety and efficiency,” said VRE Acting CEO Dallas Richards, adding, “This is a once in a generation opportunity. The return on investment in what this offers both our riders, and the future of commuter rail is maximized through VPRA’s fourth track investments and the entire suite of Transforming Rail in Virginia projects.”
“The Alexandria Fourth Track removes a longstanding chokepoint, separating passenger and freight flows and unlocking capacity across Northern Virginia that will deliver more reliable trips for riders and more predictable freight service for customers,” said Tammy Butler, Vice President, General Counsel at CSX. “This is what effective rail partnerships deliver: shared investment, faster delivery, and infrastructure that works for commuters, the supply chain, and the communities that live alongside the corridor.”
