Long Bridge Project service changes reshape Amtrak and VRE trains

Long Bridge Project service changes are now taking effect for Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express (VRE) as construction ramps up around the Potomac River crossing.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The schedule adjustments begin this week and are expected to remain in place through 2030, the VPRA Service Guide says, because crews must work close to active tracks.

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The work includes building a new two-track railroad bridge across the Potomac River as part of the $2.7 billion Long Bridge Project, along with six other new bridges tied to the same effort. VPRA Executive Director DJ Stadtler said the project has reached a point where parts of the railroad must be shut down at times so workers can operate safely near live rail traffic.

Midday limits near L’Enfant station

VPRA says that each day from about 8:15 a.m. to about 1:00 p.m., most trains will not be allowed to cross the 121-year-old Long Bridge over the Potomac River or travel anywhere in Washington, D.C., south of the L’Enfant station while construction is underway. A spokesperson said exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for trains that have been delayed. As coverage from Railway Supply notes, the intent is to maintain a consistent work window while service continues around it.

These Amtrak and commuter rail service changes are meant to create a predictable work period while trying to reduce impacts on the heaviest peak-period travel.

Virginia Railway Express (VRE) schedule changes and Alexandria transfers

VRE has adjusted some of its last trains of the morning and certain afternoon trips. On the Manassas Line, trains 332 and 334 now end in Alexandria instead of Union Station. The same change applies to Fredericksburg Line trains 312 and 314.

After getting off in Alexandria, VRE says riders can walk to the nearby King Street–Old Town Metro station and transfer to the Metro Blue or Yellow lines. Some afternoon passengers who previously rode a single train from Union Station, L’Enfant, or Crystal City will now need to transfer to a different VRE train at Alexandria, as outlined in VRE Long Bridge Project Updates.

VRE lists the following afternoon service changes:

• Manassas Line 325 will depart Union Station at 1:00 p.m. Fredericksburg passengers to transfer at Alexandria.
• Manassas Line 327 will depart Union Station at 3:20 p.m., also carrying Fredericksburg passengers for transfer at Alexandria.
• Fredericksburg Line 307 will depart Union Station at 4:00 p.m., carrying Manassas passengers for transfer at Alexandria.
• Manassas Line 331 will depart Union Station at 5:10 p.m., carrying Fredericksburg passengers for transfer at Alexandria.

Amtrak service reductions, buses, and the Amtrak Step-Up Program

Amtrak has made additional changes to support construction work, including eliminating one of five daily round-trip trains between Washington, D.C., and the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. VPRA says the eliminated trip was replaced with two new express buses between D.C. and Hampton Roads.

During the construction period expected to last until 2030, VRE and Amtrak have also brought back the Amtrak Step-Up Program. In some cases, that option allows VRE riders to take an Amtrak train for an additional $4.

VPRA officials say they tried to select construction times that would affect the fewest riders and avoid as much rush hour as possible. They added that D.C. law allows VPRA to do construction work on the project only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., so the work could not be done overnight.

While officials acknowledged the changes will be painful for some riders, VPRA says the long-term benefits of the Long Bridge Project will be significant when the new bridges open. The agency says passenger trains will no longer have to share tracks with freight trains when crossing the Potomac River, and that improvements south of the Long Bridge in Virginia—combined with the bridge project—will allow for dramatic increases in train service.

Stadtler said the upgrades would allow VPRA not only to double the capacity of the Virginia Railway Express, but also to add additional state-supported trains and long-distance trains. He also said the new bridge would allow VRE to run weekend and nighttime trains.

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