Skip to content

    2022 Board Meetings

    Home / 2022 Board Meetings December 2022 – Full Board  Agenda and Meeting Minutes Presentations and Meeting Materials Decision Briefs and Resolutions December 2022 Finance Committee Meeting Agenda   December 2022 Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Meeting Slides   Auditor Communication Draft FY24 Budget None November 2022 – P&C Committee November P&C Committee Meeting Recording (11-30-22) Agenda and Meeting Minutes Presentations and Meeting Materials Decision Briefs and Resolutions November 2022 P&C Committee Meeting Agenda   November 2022 P&C Committee Meeting Minutes July 2022 P&C Committee Meeting Minutes Personnel and Compensation Committee Meeting Presentation None October 2022 – Full Board  October Board Meeting Recordings: (10-20-22) Part 1/Part 2 Agenda and Meeting Minutes Presentations and Meeting Materials Decision Briefs and Resolutions October 2022 Board Meeting Agenda   October 2022 Board Meeting Minutes July 2022 Board Meeting Minutes Executive Director’s Report   King and Commonwealth Budget Adjustment Northern Virginia FTA Core Capacity Project Board Committee Membership Adjustment Service Performance Update Project Management Support Services Procurement Rail Safety Month Recap Federal Funding Update Decision Brief – Committee Assignments   Resolution – Committee Assignments Decision Brief –  King & Commonwealth Budget Adjustment Resolution – King & Commonwealth Budget Adjustment  Decision Brief  – Authority to Apply for FTA Assistance Resolution – Authority to Apply for FTA Assistance October 2022 – Finance Committee Agenda and Meeting Minutes Presentations and Meeting Materials Decision Briefs and Resolutions October 2022 Finance Committee Meeting Agenda   October 2022 Finance Committee Meeting Minutes October Finance Committee Meeting Presentation None July 2022 – Full Board Meeting Recording (7-21-22) Agenda and Meeting Minutes Presentations and Meeting Materials Decision Briefs and Resolutions July 2022 Board  Meeting Agenda   July 2022 Board Meeting Minutes May 2022 Board Meeting Minutes Upcoming Board Meeting Dates Executive Director’s Report   Personnel and Compensation Update Updated Meeting Policy Remote Participation And All-Virtual Policy VPRA – VRE Agreements Master Funding Agreement VRE Investment Policy Amendment Risk Management Presentation Virginia State Rail Plan Presentation Service Performance Monitoring Decision Brief – DBE SWAM Goals   Resolution – DBE SWAM Goals Decision Brief – Electronic Participation Resolution – Electronic Participation Resolution – Finance Cmte Assignments Resolution – Personnel and Comp Cmte Assignments Decision Brief – VRE Master Grant Agreement Resolution – VRE Master Grant Agreement Decision Brief – VRE Track Access Fee Resolution – VRE Track Access Fee Decision Brief – Investment Policy Modifications Resolution – Investment Policy Modifications July 2022 – P&C Committee Personnel and Compensation Committee Meeting Recording (7-13-22) Agenda and Meeting Minutes Presentations and Meeting Materials Decision Briefs and Resolutions July 2022 P&C Committee Meeting Agenda   July 2022 P&C Committee Meeting Minutes None None June 2022 – Finance Committee  June Finance Committee Meeting Recording (6-27-22) Agenda and Meeting Minutes Presentations and Meeting Materials Decision Briefs and Resolutions June 2022 Finance Committee Meeting Agenda   June 2022 Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Finance Committee Powerpoint Presentation   Finance Committee Draft Revised Investment Policy None May 2022 – Full Board  May Board Meeting Recording (5-23-22) Agenda and Meeting Minutes Presentations and Meeting Materials Decision Briefs and Resolutions May 2022 Board Meeting Agenda   May 2022 Board Meeting Minutes  February 2022 Board Meeting Minutes Executive Director’s Report   Financial Plan Presentation Financial Plan Employee Manual Executive Summary Procurement Rules Presentation Western Rail Initiative Presentation Amtrak Equipment Procurement Decision Brief – Adopted FY23 Budget   Resolution – Adopted FY23 Budget Decision Brief – VPRA Employee Manual Resolution – VPRA Employee Manual Decision Brief – Adoption of Procurement Policies Resolution – Adoption of Procurement Policies Decision Brief – Committee Adjustments and Assignments Resolution – Committee Adjustments and Assignments February 2022 – Full Board  February Board Meeting Recording (2-1-22) Agenda and Meeting Minutes Presentations and Meeting Materials Decision Briefs and Resolutions February 2022 Board Meeting Agenda   February 2022 Board Meeting Minutes January 2022 Board Meeting Minutes Executive Director’s Report   FY2023 Draft Budget TRV Milestones Presentation St. Julian’s Yard Presentation Arkendale Presentation Railroad Safety Presentation Executive Director Board Approval   Talent Premium Resolution Decision Brief – FY2023 Budget Resolution – FY2023 Budget to CTB January 2022 – Full Board  January Board Meeting Recording (1-10-22) Finance Committee Meeting Recording (1-10-22) Agenda and Meeting Minutes Presentation and Meeting Materials Decision Briefs and Resolutions January 2022 Board Meeting Agenda   January 2022 Board Meeting Minutes September 2021 Meeting Minutes Finance Committee January 2022 Meeting Agenda Finance Committee September 2021 Meeting Minutes Executive Director’s Report   Winter Storm Impact Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act FY22 Amendments and FY23 Recommendations FY22 Budget Amendments Final Draft FY23 Budget Recommendations General Assembly Studies Finance and Audit Committee Presentation Decision Brief – FY22 Budget Amendments   Resolution – FY22 Budget Amendments Decision Brief – Authorization of CRA NSR and VPRA Resolution – Authorization of CRA NSR and VPRA

    2020 Board Meetings

    Home / 2020 Board Meetings October 2020 – Full Board  October Board Meeting Recording (10-26-20) Agenda and Meeting Minutes Presentations and Meeting Materials Decision Briefs and Resolutions October 2020 Board Meeting Agenda  October 2020 Board Meeting Minutes Board Intro Slides  VPRA Overview Slides VPRA Early Operations Slide Rail in VA Overview Slides VPRA Board Responsibility Slides VPRA Funding Slides Action – VPRA Bylaws Action – MOA between VPRA and DRPT Action – Authorize Exec Director Search Decision Brief –  Bylaws  Resolution – Bylaws Decision Brief – MOA between VPRA and DRPT Resolution – MOA between VPRA and DRPT Decision Brief – Executive Director Search Resolution – Executive Director Search December  – Full Board  December Board Meeting Recording (12-14-20)

    2021 Board Meetings

    Home / 2021 Board Meetings September 2021 – Full Board  September Board Meeting Recording (9-28-21) Agenda and Meetng Minutes Presentations and Meeting Materials Decision Briefs and Resolutions September 2021 Board Meeting Agenda  September 2021 Board Meeting Minutes Executive Director Report  Audit Update Draft Investment Policy VDOT and Fairfax Agreement Briefing Electronic Participation Policy State Rail Plan Update Newport News TC Update Decision Brief – Bylaws Amendment  Resolution – Bylaws Amendment Decision Brief – Investment Policy Resolution – Investment Policy Resolution – Electronic Participation June 2021 – Full Board  June Board Meeting Recording (6-28-21) Agenda and Meeting Minutes Presentations and Meeting Materials Decision Briefs and Resolutions June 2021 Board Meeting Agenda June 2021 Board Meeting Minutes May 2021 Board Meeting Minutes Executive Director’s Report VRE Project Update VRE Capital Improvement Program Budget VPRA Investment Policy Authorization of Property Transfer Assignment to VPRA-VRE and Amtrak Agreements Decision Brief – Property Transfer Resolution – Property Transfer Decision Brief – Agreements DRPT to VPRA Resolution – Agreements DRPT to VPRA April 2021 – Full Board April Board Meeting Recording (4-26-21) Agenda and Meeting Minutes Presentations and Materials Decision Briefs and Resolutions April 2021 Special Board Meeting Agenda April 2021 Board Meeting Minutes March 2021 Board Meeting Minutes Board Chair Update Executive Director’s Report Statewide Rail Plan Rail Station Policy Balancing Amtrak Ridership and Revenue None April 2021- Special Session Special Board Meeting Recording (4-7-21) Agenda and Meeting Minutes Presentations and Meeting Materials Decision Briefs and Resolutions April 2021 Special Board Meeting Agenda April 2021 Special Board Meeting Minutes Special Session Board Slides Resolution – Contract with Executive Diretor March 2021 – Full Board March Board Meeting Recording (3-17-21) Agenda and Meeting Minutes Presentations and Meeting Materials Decision Briefs and Resolutions March 2021 Board Meeting Agenda March 2021 Board Meeting Minutes February 2021 Board Meeting Minutes None None February 2021 – Full Board February Board Meeting Recording (2-22-21) Agenda and Meeting Minutes Presentations and Meeting Materials Decision Briefs and Resolutions February 2021 Board Meeting Agenda February 2021 Board Meeting Minutes January 2021 Boarding Meeting Minutes None None January 2021- Full Board   January Board Meeting Recording (1-25-21) Agenda and Meeting Minutes Presentations and Meeting Materials Decision Briefs and Resolutions January 2021 Board Meeting Agenda December 2020 Board Meeting Minutes VPRA FY2022 Recommended Budget – CTB Transmittal VPRA Employee Manual Long Bridge Project Update Resolution – FY22 Recommended Budget Resolution – VPRA Human Resources Policy Manual

    2023 Board Meetings

    Home / 2023 Board Meetings January 2023 – Full Board  January Board Meeting Recording (1-24-23) Part 1/Part 2 Agenda and Meeting Minutes Presentations and Meeting Materials Decision Briefs and Resolutions January 2023 Board Meeting Agenda January 2023 Board Meeting Minutes October 2022 Board Meeting Minutes Public Comment Protocol Presentation Executive Director’s Report FY23 S-Line Budget Adjustment FY24 Recommended Budget Presentation FY24 Recommended Budget – Draft Long Bridge PMSS Agreement Presentation Long Bridge PMSS Agreement Exhibit Northern Virginia Core Capacity Project Administrative Update Sample Exec Dir Performance Management Form State Government Affairs Update 2023 General Assembly Passenger Rail Service Performance Decision Brief – Public Comment Protocol Adoption Resolution – Public Comment Protocol Adoption Decision Brief – FY23 S-Line Budget Adjustment Resolution – FY23 S-Line Budget Adjustment Decision Brief – Recommended FY24 Budget Resolution – Recommended FY24 Budget Decision Brief – Award Long Bridge PMSS Agreement Resolution – Award Long Bridge PMSS Agreement Decision Brief – Northern Virginia Core Capacity Project Resolution – Northern Virginia Core Capacity Project Resolution – Executive Director Bonus Cap Adjustment Resolution – Executive Director Contract Extension April 2023 – Full Board  Agenda and Meeting Minutes Presentations and Meeting Materials Decision Briefs and Resolutions April 2023 Board Meeting Agenda April 2023 Board Meeting Minutes   Decision Brief – Approval of Northern Virginia Branch Office Resolution – Approval of Northern Virginia Branch Office May 2023 – Full Board  May Board Meeting Recording Part 1/Part 2 Agenda and Meeting Minutes Presentations and Meeting Materials Decision Briefs and Resolutions May 2023 Board Meeting Agenda May 2023 Board Meeting Minutes April 2023 Board Meeting Minutes January 2023 Board Meeting Minutes Executive Director’s Report New River Valley Updates VPRA FY24 Recommended Budget Presentation VPRA FY24 Adopted Budget Long Bridge Project Presentation Passenger Rail Service Performance Decision Brief – VPRA FY24 Budget Resolution – VPRA FY24 Budget Resolution – Management Reserve Concepts July 2023 – Finance Committee Agenda and Meeting Minutes Presentations and Meeting Materials Decision Briefs and Resolutions July 2023 Finance Committee Meeting Agenda July 2023 Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Draft VPRA Management Reserve PolicyMeeting Slides Finance Committee Meeting Reserve Policy and Goal Resolution August 2023 – P&C Committee Agenda and Meeting Minutes Presentations and Meeting Materials Decision Briefs and Resolutions August 2023 P&C Committee Meeting Agenda August 2023 P&C Committee Meeting Minutes November 2022 P&C Committee Meeting Minutes Personnel and Compensation Committee Meeting Presentation   August 2023 – Full Board Agenda and Meeting Minutes Presentations and Meeting Materials Decision Briefs and Resolutions August 2023 Board Meeting Agenda August 2023 Board Meeting Minutes May 2023 Board Meeting Minutes Executive Director’s Report Management Reserve Policy Bylaw Revisions Newport News Budget Adjustment Project Updates Franconia Bypass CM/GC Service Update Decision Brief – Management Reserve Policy Resolution – Management Reserve Policy Decision Brief – Bylaw Revisions Resolution – Bylaw Revisions Decision Brief – Newport News Budget Adjustment Resolution – Newport News Budget Adjustment Decision Brief – Franconia Bypass Grant Transfer to VPRA Resolution – Franconia Bypass Grant Transfer to VPRA Decision Brief – Franconia Bypass Project Application for NVTA Regional Funds Resolution – Franconia Bypass Project Application for NVTA Regional Funds Resolution – VPRA Officer Elections Resolution – VPRA P&C Committee Assignments October 2023 – P&C Committee Agenda and Meeting Minutes Presentations and Meeting Materials Decision Briefs and Resolutions October 2023 P&C Committee Meeting Agenda August 2023 P&C Committee Meeting Minutes     November 2023 – Board Workshop Agenda and Meeting Minutes Presentations and Meeting Materials Decision Briefs and Resolutions November Board Workshop Minutes November Board Workshop Agenda     November 2023 – Finance Committee Agenda and Meeting Minutes Presentations and Meeting Materials Decision Briefs and Resolutions November 2023 Finance Committee Agenda November 2023 Finance Committee Meeting Minutes July 2023 Finance Committee Meeting Minutes November 2023 Finance Committee Presentation   December 2023 – Full Board Agenda and Meeting Minutes Presentations and Meeting Materials Decision Briefs and Resolutions December 2023 Board Meeting Agenda December 2023 Board Meeting Minutes August 2023 Board Meeting Minutes Executive Director’s Report Management Reserve Balance Long Bridge-North Package Procurement Franconia-Springfield Bypass Procurement Potomac Shores Land Acquisition Update Long Bridge-South Package Procurement Preview Amtrak and VRE Partnership Decision Brief – Management Reserve Balance Resolution – Management Reserve Balance Decision Brief – Long Bridge Project-North Package Resolution – Long Bridge Project-North Package Decision Brief – Franconia-Springfield Bypass Project Resolution – Franconia-Springfield Bypass Project  

    Long Bridge February 2025 Construction Alerts

    Construction Notice – Tree Removal, February 14-21, 2025 Construction Notice—Temporary Lane Closure on Maine Avenue SW, February 18-20, 2025 Traffic Advisory – Temporary Lane Closures on I-395 and Maine Avenue SW, February 18-20, 2025 Traffic Advisory – Flagging Operation on Ohio Dr SW. for Construction Entrance Access, February 24, 2025 Traffic Advisory – Temporary Lane Closures on I-395 for Pre-Construction Activities, February 26, 2025

    Long Bridge Bicycle-Pedestrian Bridge Width Update

    The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) investigated how much widening of the Bicycle-Pedestrian Bridge component of the Long Bridge Project could be accommodated given the project’s site constraints as well as impacts to the project’s schedule, budget, existing design approvals, permitting, and constructability. While widening from 14-feet to 16-feet will have only minor impacts, widening more than this will greatly impact all of these aspects of the project. Given this, VPRA has a agreed to widen the bridge to 16-feet from the 14-feet that was approved in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)/Record of Decision (ROD). Widening beyond 16-feet is problematic for the following reasons. The tightest horizontal clearance constraints occur adjacent to the Mount Vernon Trail ramp near the Virginia shoreline and at the Ohio Drive SW landing in East Potomac Park, as these ramps down take up essentially as much space as the bike-ped bridge itself. See the diagram below: Widening to 16-feet brings the bike-ped bridge ramps on either side of the bridge within 6-feet of the WMATA Yellow Line Bridge Air Rights.  We are not allowed to work within this Air Rights space without special accommodations, and the future contractor will need that 6-feet between the Air Rights space and the bike-ped bridge ramps to build the Long Bridge Project. A few of the impacts if the bridge is widened more than to 16’: Significant increase in pier and truss member sizes to accommodate much greater loads, increase impacts to Potomac River bottom and Submerged Aquatic Vegetation areas, affecting permitting and the size of any mitigation projects required to offset this impact; Increase in construction cost of up to $20M-$25M, on top of the $5M to widen from 14’ to 16’; Major re-work and delay to the engineering schedule; Increase in construction schedule of the bridge as substructures and truss members require increased equipment sizes, materials, and durations while reducing workspace to access and construct the bridges between the WMATA Yellow Line Bridge and the bike-ped bridge; The need for larger piers and ramps will result in a bulkier superstructure—the opposite effect from what aesthetic design review agencies have requested. The public has shown great interest in this component of the Long Bridge Project and we greatly appreciate the continued engagement. We look forward to working with all stakeholders as the Long Bridge Project enters its next phase. We will be hosting public meeting in Spring 2023 and as always, members of the public are encouaged to contact us to share their input and ask questions.

    VPRA Recognizes Rail Safety Month

    VA RAIL SAFETY MONTH (Logo)

    NEWS RELEASE September 1, 2022 Toolkits available with tips on rail safety RICHMOND — The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) is bringing rail safety to the forefront this month with a public service campaign designed to promote the importance of safety in and around trains, stations, and tracks. The campaign kicks off today with a Proclamation from Governor Glenn Youngkin recognizing Rail Safety Month in Virginia. In his proclamation, the Governor emphasizes the need for rail safety by noting that Virginia ranks 19th in the nation in the number of miles of rail with 3,000 miles across the Commonwealth. VPRA will focus on a different aspect of rail safety each week. Week 1 – September 1st through 10th – Grade Crossing Safety Week 2 – September 11th through 17th – On Board Passenger Safety Week 3 – September 18th through 24th – Rail Safety Education Week 4 – September 25th through 30th – Pedestrian and Driver Safety With toolkits — available online at vapassengerrailauthority.org/railsafety – VPRA has developed messages and communications tools for use by all Virginians. These kits include everything from safety tips to sample social media and website messaging to sample school announcements, making the campaign ready for use by employers, schools, clubs, churches, and families. “VPRA is committed to providing safe rail travel across the Commonwealth, not just on board our trains, but also in and around our stations and tracks,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA. “The importance of rail safety is vital to every community as we continue to grow passenger and commuter rail service around the Commonwealth.” Operation Lifesaver, Inc., a nationally recognized leader in rail safety education is partnering with VPRA on this effort. “Trains can’t stop quickly. It takes a train a mile or more to come to a complete stop,” said Tracey Lamb, Virginia Operation Lifesaver Coordinator, emphasizing the importance of public awareness of rail safety. In addition to toolkits, VPRA will be hosting rail safety events and promoting other educational opportunities around the Commonwealth. To reach Virginia teens, VPRA is working with Youth of Virginia Speak Out (YOVASO) on a campaign focused on safe driving habits near railroad tracks. YOVASO is a statewide peer-topeer education and leadership program that promotes young driver and passenger safety. “YOVASO is excited to partner with VPRA for rail safety month. We are including rail safety education in our Drive for Change campaign that will reach hundreds of schools and youth groups throughout the Commonwealth,” stated Mary King, YOVASO Program Administrator. “Our peer-to-peer approach puts teens in the driver’s seat to educate their classmates about rail and highway safety and influence them to be safer drivers and passengers.” VPRA’s partnership with YOVASO and their Drive for Change campaign will educate new drivers on the importance of buckling up, slowing down, and staying safe when walking or driving around rail tracks. Participating schools will promote rail safety in September through social media, school-wide announcements, and peer advocacy. Students are encouraged to submit a Rail Safety tagline to VPRA. The winning tagline will be the theme for 2023 Rail Safety Month and be featured in Amtrak Virginia advertising. Learn more about the Drive for Change Campaign here: Drive for Change Campaign – YOVASO About Virginia Passenger Rail Authority The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority was established in 2020 to promote, sustain, and expand the availability of passenger and commuter rail service in the Commonwealth. VPRA is committed to delivering passenger rail service as an integrated, affordable, and convenient travel option and plays a critical role in mitigating current and future traffic congestion on Virginia’s highways, promoting economic development, and connecting communities by increasing passenger rail capacity, services, and ridership. ###  

    Ridership on Amtrak’s Virginia Routes Hits All-Time High

    Main Street Station

    NEWS RELEASE August 30, 2022 State-supported trains see nearly 30 percent increase RICHMOND — The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) and Amtrak announced today that ridership on its state-supported trains hit an all-time high in July with more than 110,000 passengers traveling. This is an increase of 28.9 percent over June of 2022 and an increase of 19.8 percent over pre-pandemic ridership in July of 2019. VPRA launched two new roundtrips in July, one to Roanoke and one to Norfolk, with the resumption of an additional roundtrip to Newport News that had been suspended due to the pandemic. These new roundtrips provided more options for Virginians, and they responded by traveling by train. In July 110,256 passengers traveled on all four state-supported routes. Every route saw an increase in ridership with Newport News topping the list. That route with stops in Alexandria, Woodbridge, Quantico, Fredericksburg, Ashland, Richmond Staples Mill Station, Richmond Main Street Station, Williamsburg, and Newport News carried an additional 10,315 passengers in July compared to June, a 54 percent increase. The state’s Norfolk route which includes stops in Alexandria, Woodbridge, Quantico, Fredericksburg, Ashland, Richmond Staples Mill Station, Petersburg, and Norfolk, saw the second largest increase from June to July with 40,763 passengers traveling, a 23 percent increase (+7,669). In addition to beating June, this number was also, a 36.5 percent increase over the pre-pandemic July 2019 number of 29,864. “These numbers make it very clear – Virginians want more passenger rail to be a part of their transportation network,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA. “With the launch of two new roundtrips and the resumption of another, we know that rail works for the Commonwealth and look forward to further expanding service throughout the state.” “We are encouraged by the ridership growth and enthusiasm customers have in selecting Amtrak’s state-supported Virginia service as an option for travel,” said Ray Lang, Vice President of State Supported Services at Amtrak. “We will continue to strive to give travelers the best experience possible with congestion free, frequent, convenient and reliable service.” Service to Roanoke saw an increase of 72.1 percent in July as compared to July of last year with 27,374 passengers traveling. This route, which includes stops in Alexandria, Burke Centre, Manassas, Culpeper, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and Roanoke, also beat its pre-pandemic number with a 31.4 percent increase in July 2022 over July 2019. The Washington, DC to Richmond route, which includes stops in Alexandria, Woodbridge, Quantico, Fredericksburg, Ashland, Richmond Staples Mill Station, and Richmond Main Street Station, continues to perform strongly with ridership of 12,848 passengers in July – an eight percent increase over June and a 26.3 percent increase of July 2019. July 2022 vs June 2022 Comparison Route July 2022 June 2022 % Increase Route 46 Roanoke 27,374 21,564 +27% Route 47 Newport News 29,271 18,956 +54% Route 50 Norfolk 40,763 33,094 +23% Route 51 Richmond 12,848 11,919 +8%   July 2022 vs July 2021 Comparison Route July 2022 July 2021 Route 46 Roanoke 27,374 15,903 +72.1% Route 47 Newport News 29,271 27,722 +5.6% Route 50 Norfolk 40,763 20,938 +94.7% Route 51 Richmond 12,848 *0 – *Service was suspended due to pandemic. July 2022 vs July 2019 Comparison Route July 2022 July 2019 Route 46 Roanoke 27,374 20,831 +31.4% Route 47 Newport News 29,271 31,172 -6.1% Route 50 Norfolk 40,763 29,864 +36.5% Route 51 Richmond 12,848 10,174 +26.3%   The Commonwealth of Virginia first launched state-supported passenger rail service in 2009 with one roundtrip between Washington, DC and Lynchburg. Since that time, the state’s service has grown to include stops at 17 stations along four corridors. All four corridors provide service to Washington, DC and points north including Philadelphia, New York, and Boston. About Virginia Passenger Rail Authority The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority was established in 2020 to promote, sustain, and expand the availability of passenger and commuter rail service in the Commonwealth. VPRA is committed to delivering passenger rail service as an integrated, affordable, and convenient travel option and plays a critical role in mitigating current and future traffic congestion on Virginia’s highways, promoting economic development, and connecting communities by increasing passenger rail capacity, services, and ridership. About Amtrak® For 50 years, Amtrak has connected America and transformed transportation by modernizing train travel and building for the future. Amtrak will continue to play an important role in the national transportation network for the next 50 years and beyond by operating a safe, environmentally efficient and fiscally responsible business by providing travelers with an experience that sets a new standard. Book travel, check train status, access your eTicket and more through the Amtrak app. Learn more at Amtrak.com and connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. ###

    VPRA Receives RAISE Grant for Long Bridge Pedestrian Crossing Project

    Long Bridge Pedestrian Crossing

    NEWS RELEASE August 11, 2022 Will fund bicycle and pedestrian bridge across the Potomac River RICHMOND — The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) has been awarded a grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) in support of its Long Bridge Bicycle and Pedestrian Crossing Project. The $20 million grant comes from the USDOT’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant Program. The Long Bridge Bicycle and Pedestrian Crossing Project is a new, dedicated bicycle and pedestrian bridge that will span the Potomac River between Washington, DC and Arlington, Va. The bridge will connect Long Bridge Park and the Mount Vernon Trail in Arlington to the East and West Potomac Parks in Washington, DC. It will provide a substantially wider connection across the Potomac River for non-motorized traffic. “VPRA’s Long Bridge project is designed to not only relieve congestion along the rail corridor across the Potomac, but to also provide an additional route for pedestrians and bicyclists to travel across the river that is also safe, direct, and a more pleasant experience,” said Michael McLaughlin, Chief Operating Officer of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority. “This RAISE grant will further our efforts to make that a reality.” The new bridge will be built as a part of VPRA’s larger Long Bridge Project, a $2 billion rail project designed to eliminate the bottleneck currently facing rail traffic crossing the Potomac. The Long Bridge Bicycle and Pedestrian Crossing Project will consist of a 2,300-foot long structure dedicated to walking and bicycling across the Potomac. It will cross the Potomac between the existing Long Bridge and the WMATA Metrorail Yellow Line bridge. The project’s current estimated cost is $88 million. About Virginia Passenger Rail Authority The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority was established in 2020 to promote, sustain, and expand the availability of passenger and commuter rail service in the Commonwealth. VPRA is committed to delivering passenger rail service as an integrated, affordable, and convenient travel option and plays a critical role in mitigating current and future traffic congestion on Virginia’s highways, promoting economic development, and connecting communities by increasing passenger rail capacity, services, and ridership. ###