Grant will fund Long Bridge and Phase II Projects

RICHMOND – The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) today announced it has been awarded a $729 million grant by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) through its Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program (FSP-National). The grant will aid VPRA in completing the final design and construction of Long Bridge and all Phase 2 projects of the Transforming Rail in Virginia (TRV) initiative.

“This grant is great news for Virginians,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA. “The full funding of our Transforming Rail in Virginia Phase II projects, in particular, Long Bridge will result in a transformative increase in rail travel in the Commonwealth and along the East Coast. VPRA is grateful for the immense support we have received from our Virginia senators and Congressional delegation for this initiative. Their support has been immeasurable.”

“These rail projects will improve fluidity for freight and passengers not only in Virginia, but up and down the eastern seaboard. They will be a game-changer for our growing economy, world-class port, and top regional destinations,” said Secretary of Transportation Shep Miller. “I’d like to thank the VPRA team—especially Board Chair Jen DeBruhl and Executive Director DJ Stadtler—and our federal partners for helping us jumpstart these key projects.”

“This $729 million grant to advance rail projects in Virginia, including the critical construction of a new Long Bridge, is a huge win for not just Virginia, but the entire East Coast,” said Jennifer DeBruhl, Chair of the VPRA Board and Director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. “This investment in an important rail corridor is fundamental to the Commonwealth’s economic future and will significantly improve commuter and passenger rail service as well as freight flow.”

The TRV initiative would not be possible without 1) the forward-thinking legislation passed by the Virginia General Assembly in 2020 that funded the vast majority of the initiative and created VPRA; 2) the series of real estate, funding, infrastructure, and passenger rail service agreements VPRA signed in 2021 with CSX, Amtrak, and VRE; and 3) the support of the Governor, the Secretary of Transportation, the General Assembly, and the Commonwealth Transportation Board.

In Northern Virginia, the initiative will separate passenger and freight rail operations from L’Enfant Plaza in Washington, DC to Spotsylvania County just south of Fredericksburg. Separating these two distinct services will improve on-time performance for both. Five projects will be completed using the funds:

• Long Bridge: Final design and construction of approximately 1.8 miles of improvements between Arlington, VA and Washington, DC including five rail bridges, one pedestrian/bicycle bridge over the Potomac River and the replacement of a pedestrian bridge over Maine Avenue SW, as well as related railroad infrastructure;
• L’Enfant Fourth Track and Station Improvements: Final design and construction of approximately 1 mile of additional mainline track through and around the L’Enfant VRE Station and improvements to the existing station platform;
• Neabsco Creek to Woodbridge Third Track (Siding D): Final design and construction of 3.1 miles of third track in Prince William County, VA;
• Aquia Creek Third Track South (Siding E): Final design and construction of approximately 2.3 miles of third track in Stafford County, VA;
• Crossroads Third Track (Siding F): Final design and construction of approximately 4 miles of third track in Spotsylvania County, VA.

Completion of TRV’s Phase 2 projects will allow for three new roundtrip Amtrak Virginia state-supported trains in 2030. That will be in addition to the current eight roundtrips and the two that are scheduled to launch in 2026 for a total of 13 daily roundtrips by 2030 – with nearly hourly service between Richmond and Washington, D.C. It will also allow for an increase in the number of VRE frequencies with more weekend and late-night options as well as the first step to enabling future pass-through MARC service between Maryland and Alexandria, VA.

Amtrak Virginia, the state-supported passenger rail service, continues to set ridership records. In October, 125,689 passengers traveled — an increase of 20.1% over last October and the highest ridership ever in October since Amtrak Virginia service began in 2009. Currently, Amtrak Virginia service offers three daily roundtrips between Norfolk and Washington, DC, two daily roundtrips between both Roanoke and Washington, and Newport News and Washington, and one daily roundtrip between Richmond and the nation’s capital.

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 and expanding its state-supported Amtrak Virginia passenger rail service.  The Commonwealth of Virginia first launched state-supported service in 2009 with one roundtrip between Washington, DC and Lynchburg, VA.  Since that time, the Commonwealth’s service has grown to include eight roundtrips daily with stops at 17 stations along four corridors.  For more information, please visit vapassengerrailauthority.org.

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Selections are a significant step in Transforming Rail in Virginia Initiative  

RICHMOND – The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) announced today that it has selected construction partners for two of its most significant Transforming Rail in Virginia (TRV) projects. For the Long Bridge-North Package, VPRA has selected Skanska/Flatiron Joint Venture, and for the Franconia-Springfield Bypass, VPRA has selected Flatiron/Herzog Joint Venture.

“Selecting construction partners for the Long Bridge-North Package and the Franconia-Springfield Bypass represents a significant milestone in our plan to build passenger rail infrastructure at a level not seen in generations,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA. “We look forward to working with both teams in this important step toward making rail a viable transportation option and truly Transforming Rail in Virginia.”

“We are eager to collaborate with both teams to bring Virginia another step closer in dramatically improving its rail infrastructure,” said Jennifer DeBruhl, Director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation and Chair of the VPRA Board. “With the Long Bridge-North Package and Franconia-Springfield Bypass, Virginians will one day be able to have more abilities to travel by train, and the economy will grow with a more efficient rail network benefitting both passenger and freight rail.”

Long Bridge-North Package 

The Long Bridge-North Package will use the Progressive Design-Build project delivery method. In March, VPRA issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking qualified design-build teams for the north end of the Long Bridge Project from the northern banks of the Potomac River to just south of the L’Enfant Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Station.

The selection of Skanska/Flatiron Joint Venture is a significant step towards the realization of the largest project in the Commonwealth’s TRV initiative. Currently, Long Bridge is near 30% design. The Skanska/Flatiron Joint Venture team will take the project from the design phase through construction. Early prep work is expected to begin in 2024 with full construction commencing in early 2025. Construction is expected to be completed in 2030.

The current Long Bridge – a 119-year-old railroad bridge – connects Arlington, Virginia with the District of Columbia and regularly operates at 98 percent capacity during peak periods.  As a result, additional capacity is necessary to meet future demand and to relieve a major chokepoint for rail traffic along the East Coast.

The Long Bridge Project, which consists of two procurement packages (a North Package and a South Package), will construct a new modern, two-track railroad bridge and will allow for the separation of passenger and freight rail traffic, improving trip times and on-time performance for both along the corridor.

The North Package encompasses a very complicated construction area from the new bridge’s northern abutment moving north to L’Enfant interlocking near L’Enfant Plaza in Washington, DC. This package includes the construction of a number of smaller bridges within the project footprint, including:

• a new rail bridge over the WMATA Portal/I-395;
• the replacement of the existing two-track Ohio Drive SW Rail Bridge with a four-track bridge;
• the replacement of the existing two-track Washington Channel Rail Bridge with a four-track bridge;
• the replacement of the existing two-track Maine Avenue SW Rail Bridge with a four-track bridge; and
• the replacement of the Maine Avenue SW Pedestrian Bridge.

While the North Package will construct rail track and a series of bridges north of the Potomac River, the Long Bridge-South Package will consist of the bridge span over the Potomac River and an adjacent bicycle-pedestrian bridge. The South Package is currently in the procurement process with a Request for Proposals to be released to shortlisted teams by VPRA in February of 2024.

The estimated cost of the entire Long Bridge Project – including both the North and South packages – is $2.3 billion.

Franconia-Springfield Bypass 

The Franconia-Springfield Bypass project will be delivered using the Construction Manager/General Contractor project delivery method. After issuing a Request for Proposals and receiving responsive proposals from teams, VPRA selected Flatiron/Herzog Joint Venture.

The Franconia-Springfield Bypass will alleviate train interference at one of the most congested points in Virginia – between Fredericksburg and Washington, DC. When complete, the bypass will be an approximately 0.9-mile-long, dedicated passenger rail bridge located just south of the Franconia-Springfield Metro station. Site clearing and early construction work are expected to begin by the end of March 2024 with full construction expected to commence in 2024 and last for two years.

“Flatiron and Herzog are thrilled to partner with the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority on the Franconia-Springfield Bypass project. This partnership leverages our collective rail expertise throughout North America and strengthens Flatiron’s presence in the Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. area,” said Jim Schneiderman, Flatiron Senior Vice President for Mid-Atlantic. “Flatiron and Herzog are both committed to enhancing the well-being of communities in which we live and work. This project will do just that by reducing congestion and providing safer, more reliable rail service.”

The bypass structure will be owned by VPRA and will allow passenger trains to cross over the two existing freight tracks to reach station passenger stops on the opposite side of the railroad, providing improved service for both passenger and freight trains through the area. The bypass will further VPRA’s mission to create two separate rail corridors, one for passenger trains and one for freight trains and will serve both Amtrak and VRE trains.

The estimated cost of the Franconia-Springfield Bypass project is $405 million.

Transforming Rail in Virginia 

VPRA’s TRV initiative launched in 2021 with a goal to expand the availability of passenger rail throughout the Commonwealth. Through the support of VPRA and its partners, passenger rail has increasingly become the transportation option for those Virginians seeking an alternative to driving.

Amtrak, which serves as VPRA’s operational partner for its Amtrak Virginia state-supported rail service, is contributing $944 million to the TRV program.

“We celebrate this major development that will get shovels in the ground and start construction for these projects,” Amtrak Vice President Ray Lang said. “We are proud to partner with VPRA and share the commitment to transform transportation by creating the infrastructure to expand East Coast commuter and passenger train capacity.”

Through an innovative agreement with freight partner, CSX, VPRA was able to purchase the railroad corridor necessary to complete the TRV projects. While these projects will create dedicated passenger rail capacity, in doing so, they will also alleviate congestion on freight tracks, thereby increasing the availability of CSX freight throughput for the Commonwealth and the Port of Virginia.

“CSX congratulates VPRA on selection of construction partners for the Long Bridge North and Franconia-Springfield Bypass projects,” said Randy Marcus Director of State Relations-VA, WV & DC for CSX Transportation. “Infrastructure projects like these are essential to expanding capacity, improving fluidity and separating freight and passenger operations in this congested corridor. We look forward to continuing to advance our partnership with Virginia to deliver improved service to both CSX customers and VRE and Amtrak riders.”

VRE has been a strong proponent of VPRA projects since the agency’s inception, and their support continues with close to $200 million in contributions towards the TRV program.

“These two projects will be game changers for VRE, allowing us to expand service in the region,” said VRE’s CEO Rich Dalton. “And the reduction in congestion that will result from the separation of freight and passenger trains will significantly improve our reliability. VRE is pleased to partner with VPRA and see these projects move forward.”

Expanding passenger rail throughout the Commonwealth takes cooperation from transportation partners across the state. The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority’s support of the project is vital to its completion.

“NVTA’s $23 million investment in the Franconia-Springfield Bypass Project is more than a financial contribution; it’s a commitment to deliver faster, more frequent, and reliable passenger rail service to Virginia, said Monica Backmon, Chief Executive Officer, Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA). “We take pride in this investment, as it represents our dedication to providing multimodal options to reduce congestion, ultimately moving commuters more efficiently.”

Additional transportation partners who have supported the TRV initiative include the US DOT and Virginia’s Congressional Delegation, who both recognize the importance of passenger rail in the Commonwealth’s transportation mix.

A national model for the expansion of state-supported passenger rail service, TRV is a 10-year initiative through which the Commonwealth will acquire railroad corridors and upgrade them, increasing rail capacity with a portfolio of capital projects designed to improve reliability and increase rail service in Virginia. Through TRV, the Commonwealth will:

• increase the state-supported Amtrak service between Washington, DC and Richmond, resulting in near-hourly service along this corridor;
• increase Amtrak service to Roanoke, Newport News, and Norfolk;
• extend Amtrak service from Roanoke to the New River Valley (Christiansburg) and construct a new passenger station and platform; and
• increase VRE Fredericksburg Line service by 75 percent and add new late-night and weekend service.

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 and expanding its state-supported Amtrak Virginia passenger rail service.  The Commonwealth of Virginia first launched state-supported service in 2009 with one roundtrip between Washington, DC and Lynchburg, VA.  Since that time, the Commonwealth’s service has grown to include eight roundtrips daily with stops at 17 stations along four corridors.  For more information, please visit vapassengerrailauthority.org.

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Bypass to alleviate rail congestion in Northern Virginia

RICHMOND — The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) today announced it has been awarded a $100 million grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) in support of its Franconia-Springfield Bypass Project.  As part of the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grants program, the $100 million grant will advance final design and construction of the Bypass Project.

The Franconia-Springfield Bypass will alleviate train interference at one of the most congested points in Virginia – between Fredericksburg and Washington, DC.  Through the $405 million project, VPRA and partners will construct an approximately 0.9-mile-long, dedicated passenger rail bridge located just south of the Franconia-Springfield Metro station.

The bridge, which will cross over two existing freight tracks, will be owned by VPRA and will allow passenger trains to cross over the existing freight tracks to reach station stops on the opposite side. The project will provide a connection for passenger trains between the west side of the corridor north of the bridge and the east side of the corridor south of the bridge, providing improved service for both passenger and freight trains through the area. The bypass will further VPRA’s mission to create two separate rail corridors through the area, one for passenger trains and one for freight trains and will serve both Amtrak as well as Virginia Railway Express (VRE) trains.  Construction is expected to begin in 2024 and last two years.

“This grant is a big win for Virginia. The Bypass will improve fluidity for our freight railroads and enable more passenger service in one of the most heavily trafficked areas of the Commonwealth,” stated Secretary of Transportation Shep Miller. “I am pleased the FRA recognizes this corridor’s tremendous importance to interstate commerce and travel not only within Virginia, but along the entire East Coast.”

“Connecting communities within Virginia with safe and affordable transportation options is what we do,” said Jennifer DeBruhl, Director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and Board Chair of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority Board.  “This FRA CRISI grant will aid VPRA in completing an important piece of their Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative, the Franconia-Springfield Bypass – an infrastructure improvement that will benefit not only Virginians but all who travel by rail through the Commonwealth.”

“The Franconia-Springfield Bypass Project represents the future of rail in Northern Virginia. Creating this dedicated passenger rail corridor is a crucial step toward alleviating congestion and offering commuters more choices,” said Monica Backmon, Chief Executive Officer, Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA).  “While NVTA’s nearly $36 million investment in the bypass and platform improvements has been instrumental, the federal funding secured through FRA’s CRISI grant is the driving force behind making this vision a reality.”

“The Franconia-Springfield Bypass is a vital part of VPRA’s plan to improve and increase passenger rail service in Northern Virginia by creating a rail corridor dedicated to passenger rail.  We could not do this without the support of our Virginia Congressional Delegation, and we thank them for their dedication to passenger rail in the Commonwealth,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority.  “Virginians are increasingly seeking an alternative to the state’s crippling traffic, and with the aid of this CRISI grant from the FRA, we will be able to complete the bypass and offer passenger rail service that is more consistent, more reliable, and more predictable.”

VPRA’s Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative launched in 2021 with a goal to expand the availability of passenger rail throughout the Commonwealth.  Once the first phase of projects — including the Franconia-Springfield Bypass Project — are complete, additional Amtrak Virginia and VRE frequencies will be available with more weekend and new, late-night options.

Amtrak Virginia, the state-supported passenger rail service, continues to set ridership records.  In August, 130,998 passengers traveled on the state’s four corridors, exceeding the previous record set in July when 125,488 passengers traveled.  Currently, Amtrak Virginia service offers three daily roundtrips between Norfolk and Washington, DC, two daily roundtrips between both Roanoke and Washington, and Newport News and Washington, and one daily roundtrip between Richmond and the nation’s capital.

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 and expanding its state-supported Amtrak Virginia passenger rail service.  The Commonwealth of Virginia first launched state-supported service in 2009 with one roundtrip between Washington, DC and Lynchburg, VA.  Since that time, the Commonwealth’s service has grown to include eight roundtrips daily with stops at 17 stations along four corridors.  For more information, please visit vapassengerrailauthority.org.

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Events planned to promote rail safety

RICHMOND -The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) is observing Rail Safety Month in Virginia by promoting the importance of safety in and around trains, stations, and tracks.  A Proclamation from Governor Glenn Youngkin recognizing the month kicks off this year’s public service campaign.  In his proclamation, the Governor references Federal Railroad Administration statistics that rank the Commonwealth of Virginia thirteenth in highway-rail grade crossing collisions in the United States.

“As passenger rail continues to grow throughout the Commonwealth, practicing safe behaviors near our tracks and stations and on board our trains is vital to ensuring a safe ride for our passengers and a safe environment for our communities,” said Mike McLaughlin, Chief Operating Officer of VPRA. “Every three hours a person or vehicle is struck by a train in the United States.  Through education about rail safety, we can strive to prevent these kinds of incidents.”

VPRA has a toolkit available for communities to use in their own rail safety education outreach.  The toolkits, available online at vapassengerrailauthority.org/railsafety – 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.

Operation Lifesaver, Inc., a nationally recognized leader in rail safety education is partnering with VPRA on this effort.  “Virginia Operation Lifesaver is excited to partner again with the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority for Rail Safety Month. Together, we are educating children and their parents about making good decisions around railroad tracks and trains,” said Tracey Lamb, Virginia Operation Lifesaver Coordinator.  “Remember, railroad property is private property. Stay off, stay away and stay safe.”

In addition to the online toolkits, VPRA will be hosting rail safety events around the Commonwealth.  To learn more, join us:

Tuesday, September 19, 10:00am to noon – Ashland

Ashland Amtrak Station – 112 N Railroad Ave, Ashland

Wednesday, September 20, 7:00am to 9:00am – Alexandria

Alexandria Amtrak Station – 110 Callahan Dr, Alexandria

Thursday, September 21, 9:00am – 11:00am – Petersburg

Ettrick Amtrak Station – 3516 South Street, Petersburg

Saturday, September 23 & Sunday, September 24, 10:00am to 2:00pm – Richmond

The Children’s Museum of Richmond (CMoR) – 2626 W Broad St, Richmond

The event at CMoR also includes playtime at the Amtrak Virginia Train Exhibit complete with engineer hats and storytime with Miss Virginia Volunteer 2024 Annie Mowery on Saturday.

“Play is how our youngest citizens learn, including about trains and train safety,” says CMoR’s Executive Director Danielle Ripperton. “We’re thrilled that children visiting our Downtown location experience the playful STEM education learnings at our train exhibit throughout the year. And, we’re most grateful that the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority delivers programming at CMoR during Rail Safety Month to introduce and reinforce the importance of train safety.”

For more information on rail safety, visit

vapassengerrailauthority.org/railsafety for VPRA’s toolkit;

https://oli.org/ for tips on basic track safety; and,

https://www.youtube.com/@FederalRailroadAdministration for videos on rail safety.

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 and expanding its state-supported Amtrak Virginia passenger rail service.  The Commonwealth of Virginia first launched state-supported service in 2009 with one roundtrip between Washington, DC and Lynchburg, VA.  Since that time, the Commonwealth’s service has grown to include eight roundtrips daily with stops at 17 stations along four corridors.  For more information, please visit vapassengerrailauthority.org.

About the Children’s Museum of Richmond

Since 1981, the Children’s Museum has served children and their families by recognizing that children grow and learn through play and has grown over the years in providing resources for the entire family, schools, and partner nonprofit organizations. CMoR now operates two locations in Richmond and Chesterfield dedicated to creating safe, fun, hands-on environments for children to learn, explore, and create memorable experiences. For more information about the Children’s Museum of Richmond, please visit www.cmorva.org.

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Take the train to local fall festivals

RICHMOND — Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons in Virginia with gorgeous fall foliage, apple picking, and seasonal festivals.  The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) invites you to explore the beauty of the Commonwealth this fall on board Amtrak Virginia.

With service along four corridors – Newport News, Norfolk, Richmond, and Roanoke — Amtrak Virginia offers a comfortable and convenient way to travel to destinations throughout the state as well Washington, DC and points north.

There’s no better way to explore the endless fall activities in Virginia than by train.  Whether you are enjoying the fall foliage in the Blue Ridge Mountains or exploring our nation’s history along the Potomac River, Amtrak Virginia can be a part of your adventure.

Roanoke Corridor 

Along the Roanoke Corridor, Virginians can explore the many sights and events in historic Charlottesville. Carter Mountain Orchard offers apple picking as well as a cidery with beautiful Blue Ridge views. Check out Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello or one of the many local wineries in the region. Use Charlottesville Area Transit to travel around the city.

If college football is on your itinerary, Amtrak Virginia makes stops near more than 20 colleges and universities in the Commonwealth.  While visiting Charlottesville, be sure to see the University of Virginia play or head further south along the Roanoke Corridor to Virginia Tech.  A Thruway bus connection is available between Roanoke and Blacksburg, operated by Valley Metro’s SmartWay to get you there.

Newport News Corridor

Virginia offers many attractions for those interested in history. One of the most famous attractions – Williamsburg –falls along the Newport News Corridor.  Attend a historical reenactment or stay in a historic bed and breakfast for a romantic getaway.

To celebrate the turn in the weather, travel to Newport News for this year’s Fall-O-Ween Festival and use Hampton Roads Transit to get around once you arrive by train.

Norfolk Corridor

Norfolk offers something for everyone with family-friendly, art, and wine festivals planned this fall.  Take the train to Norfolk for any number of fall festivals.  Visit the beautiful Norfolk Botanical Garden which features chrysanthemums this time of year, or the Hermitage Museum & Gardens, known for its 12 acres of gardens, forest, and wetlands.  Norfolk’s local transportation options include a light rail and a ferry.

Norfolk also offers many options for those interested in military history including the National Maritime Center, Nauticus, and the MacArthur Memorial, dedicated to preserving the legacy of Army General Douglas MacArthur.

Richmond Corridor

Amtrak Virginia service to Richmond includes stops at Staples Mill Station and downtown’s Main Street Station.  Just a few steps from Main Street Station, you can get your fright on at the Poe Museum and learn more about the life, poetry, and mysterious death of Edgar Allen Poe.

Also, along Richmond’s corridor, Alexandria hosts its own frightful events with the Ghosts and Graveyards Tour in the city’s historic district.  Near the Amtrak Station on King Street, Alexandria’s DASH bus service offers free rides to local sites around town.

Affordable Fares

To travel the Commonwealth this fall, our Virginia Anytime Fares offer a 15% discount for travel within Virginia and to/from Washington, D.C. From the Amtrak app, use discount code V552. Additional discounts are available for kids, students and small groups. Terms and conditions apply. To learn more or book online, visit Amtrak.com/Virginia.

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 and expanding its state-supported Amtrak Virginia passenger rail service.  The Commonwealth of Virginia first launched state-supported service in 2009 with one roundtrip between Washington, DC and Lynchburg, VA.  Since that time, the Commonwealth’s service has grown to include eight roundtrips daily with stops at 17 stations along four corridors.  For more information, please visit vapassengerrailauthority.org.

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Month of June sets a record for ridership

RICHMOND — The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) announced today that 1.26 million passengers traveled on its Amtrak Virginia service during the state’s fiscal year 2023 (July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023), setting an all-time record for fiscal year ridership. The total – 1,256,123 – beat the previous record of 894,065 set during fiscal year 2015.

The month of June also set a record for travel during that month with 111,212 passengers. The previous record for June was set last year when 85,533 passengers traveled. All four Amtrak Virginia corridors saw increases year-over-year from June 2022 to June 2023. Overall ridership was up 30% over last June with the Newport News service seeing the greatest increase of 57.4% from June 2022 to June 2023.

June 2023 vs June 2022 Comparison

NOTE:  June 2023 ridership includes eight daily roundtrips, up from just five in June 2022.  Last July three roundtrips were added – one to Roanoke and one to Norfolk.  The third, to Newport News, was the resumption of service cancelled due to the pandemic. 

“These record-setting ridership numbers reflect the need for more investment in passenger rail in the Commonwealth,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA.  “With planned infrastructure improvements from Northern Virginia into Washington, DC including a new bridge across the Potomac River, new investment will benefit not only Virginians but also, those traveling to and from our nation’s capital and along the east coast.  It’s vital we continue to secure necessary funding for these projects to ensure rail is a viable transportation option in Virginia and beyond.”

VPRA’s Transforming Rail in Virginia (TRV) initiative is a generational investment in rail infrastructure that will build high-performance passenger and commuter rail service in Virginia.  TRV projects will:

• Increase the state-supported Amtrak service between Washington, DC, and Richmond, resulting in near-hourly service along this corridor.
• Increase Amtrak service to Roanoke, Newport News, and Norfolk.
• Extend Amtrak service from Roanoke to the New River Valley (Christiansburg).

These investments will make Amtrak Virginia service an even more practical transportation alternative for thousands of Virginians.

Currently, Amtrak Virginia service offers three daily roundtrips between Norfolk and Washington, DC, two daily between both Roanoke and Washington, and Newport News and Washington, and one daily roundtrip between Richmond and the nation’s capital.  The all-time record for monthly ridership on Amtrak Virginia is August 2022 when 119,280 passengers traveled.

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 and expanding its state-supported Amtrak Virginia passenger rail service.  The Commonwealth of Virginia first launched state-supported service in 2009 with one roundtrip between Washington, DC and Lynchburg, VA.  Since that time, the Commonwealth’s service has grown to include eight roundtrips daily with stops at 17 stations along four corridors.  For more information, please visit vapassengerrailauthority.org.

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The Trains and Tiaras Tour to focus on volunteerism

RICHMOND — Amtrak Virginia is promoting volunteerism and community connection across the Commonwealth through a partnership with the Miss Virginia Volunteer organization and a small-town rail tour featuring 2023 Miss Virginia Volunteer Kate Clatterbuck. The Trains and Tiaras Tour kicks off on Saturday, May 27 at 9:30am with a public event at Kemper Street Station in Lynchburg. The tour will feature Miss Virginia Volunteer visiting local communities to promote volunteerism and empowerment, all while traveling with the ease and comfort of Amtrak Virginia.

During the Trains and Tiaras Tour, Kate will travel on board the state-supported Amtrak Virginia service and will stop in Lynchburg, Culpeper, Manassas, Alexandria, Fredericksburg, Ashland, Richmond, and Newport News – visiting eight communities in five days. While in each community she will participate in a volunteer activity, sample local cuisine, and meet with local leaders interested in community connectedness and volunteerism. From volunteering at an organization supporting local veterans to making dinner for sick children, Kate will roll up her sleeves and dive right in.

“As we commemorate Celebrate Transportation Day in Virginia, we are very happy to have Miss Virginia Volunteer travel the state by rail and enrich the communities Amtrak Virginia serves,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority. “We look forward to having her on board as we both work towards a common goal — to connect the communities of the Commonwealth.”

Amtrak Virginia service began in 2009 with one-roundtrip between Washington, DC and our first tour host, Lynchburg. In 2017 that service was extended to Roanoke, and last summer a second roundtrip was launched on the route. Ridership on the service set a record in April with 107,929 passengers traveling, a 53.2% increase over April 2022. It was the highest ridership seen in April since state-supported service began in 2009. All four Amtrak Virginia corridors saw an increase in ridership year-over-year for the month of April.

The economic impact of the Amtrak Virginia service is seen in the $141,000,000 Amtrak spent on goods and services in the Commonwealth in FY2021. That was in addition to the $90,000,000 in wages earned by Virginians employed by Amtrak.

“The City of Lynchburg is proud to host Kate Clatterbuck to launch the Amtrak Virginia Trains & Tiaras Tour with Miss Virginia Volunteer and the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority,” said Lynchburg Mayor Stephanie T. Reed. “Our beautiful historic train station offers daily Amtrak service, making it easy to travel for both business and leisure. Our Amtrak station supports travel and tourism in the City of Lynchburg, promoting Lynchburg as a dynamic place to live, go to work, attend college.”

While on board the Trains and Tiaras Tour, Miss Virginia Volunteer will enjoy all of the amenities available on Amtrak — free Wi-Fi, the freedom to use phones and electronic devices, Quiet Cars for those who want a library-like environment to work, read or doze, the ability to travel with small pets on many trains, large spacious seats with ample leg room, and no middle seat, not to mention the café car.

“We are delighted Miss Virginia Volunteer is taking Amtrak for a tour through Virginia,” said Jeff Mann, Amtrak Senior Director of State Supported Services. “This journey will highlight how traveling by train allows customers to avoid traffic congestion while safely and reliably connecting with local communities.”

The Miss Virginia Volunteer pageant supports a mission to educate and empower young women across Virginia through workshops, seminars, scholarships, and volunteerism. This year’s Miss Virginia Volunteer, Kate Clatterbuck, hails from Danville and is a 2022 graduate of Roanoke College. She is the founder of “PowHERful Voices Initiative” and the “She. We. Me” program that addresses the gender disparity in Virginia’s History Standards of Learning for K-12 education. Since being crowned in August, Kate has traveled the state, advocating for volunteerism.

“Rail travel has been essential to economic growth since the construction of the Transcontinental railroad in 1845. Today, it’s a convenient, hassle-free, and reliable means of travel in a hectic world,” said Vickie Runk, Executive Director of Miss Virginia Volunteer Organization. “Miss Virginia Volunteer is so happy to be partnering with our friends at Amtrak Virginia. Lynchburg is privileged to have a gorgeous station on Kemper Street, restored in 2002. As owners of a hospitality firm in Central Virginia, as well, we happily provide shuttles to and from the station and encourage our guests to enjoy this nostalgic form of travel.”

Amtrak Virginia worked with the Virginia Tourism Corporation and boots-on-the-ground Destination Marketing Organizations to help create the local itineraries for the Trains and Tiaras Tour, which will introduce Kate to local hot spots and treasures.
“Traveling by train is one of the easiest and most relaxing ways to visit Virginia,” said Rita McClenny, President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. “Many of the Commonwealth’s most popular destinations are directly accessible by rail, making it a quick and convenient getaway for visitors.”

For more information on booking a trip on Amtrak Virginia, please visit www.amtrak.com/Virginia. Follow Kate’s journey on Instagram @AmtrakVA and Facebook @AmtrakVirginia.

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 and expanding its state-supported Amtrak Virginia passenger rail service. The Commonwealth of Virginia first launched state-supported service in 2009 with one roundtrip between Washington, DC and Lynchburg, VA. Since that time, the Commonwealth’s service has grown to include eight roundtrips daily with stops at 17 stations along four corridors. For more information, please visit vapassengerrailauthority.org.

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Growth of the state-supported service expected to continue through the summer

RICHMOND — Ridership on the Commonwealth’s Amtrak Virginia service set another record in April the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) announced today.  With 107,929 passengers traveling, April 2023 saw a 53.2% increase over April 2022.  It was the highest ridership seen in April since state-supported service began in 2009.  All four Amtrak Virginia corridors saw an increase in ridership year-over-year for the month of April.

April 2023 vs April 2022 Comparison

NOTE:  April 2023 ridership includes eight daily roundtrips, up from just five in April 2022.  Last July three roundtrips were added – one to Roanoke and one to Norfolk, the third, to Newport News, was the resumption of service cancelled due to the pandemic.

“The growth in ridership that we have consistently seen over the past year confirms that rail is a necessary part of the transportation mix in Virginia,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA. “With the additional roundtrips we launched last summer, we anticipated an increase in ridership, and Virginians have responded in record numbers – proof that the convenience of train travel makes it more attractive than sitting in traffic or flying on a crowded plane.”

Summer Travel 

Start the busy summer travel season with a trip on board Amtrak Virginia.  With service to 17 stations in the Commonwealth and Washington, DC, and special discounts just for Virginians, Amtrak Virginia is the best way to travel this summer.

• Virginia Anytime Fares offer a 15% discount for travel within Virginia and to/from Washington, D.C. From the Amtrak app, use discount code V552.
• Small groups can travel together and save with Share Fares.
• Students between the ages of 17 and 24 can take advantage of the Student Discount. Also available on the Amtrak app with discount code V814.
• Discounts are also available for seniors, veterans and active duty military.
• Terms and conditions apply. To learn more or book online, visit com/Virginia.

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 and expanding its state-supported Amtrak Virginia passenger rail service.  The Commonwealth of Virginia first launched state-supported service in 2009 with one roundtrip between Washington, DC and Lynchburg, VA.  Since that time, the Commonwealth’s service has grown to include eight roundtrips daily with stops at 17 stations along four corridors.  For more information, please visit vapassengerrailauthority.org.

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Amtrak Virginia offers service to colleges and universities

RICHMOND & WASHINGTON, DC — With summer right around the corner, Amtrak and the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) are inviting students and their parents to skip traffic jams and hop on board the train for an adventure to visit colleges and universities located in cities within the Commonwealth and in Washington, D.C.

A comfortable way to visit college towns, Amtrak Virginia travels to more than 20 institutions of higher learning along four corridors – Newport News, Norfolk, Richmond and Roanoke – and customers can continue with a same-seat trip to Washington, D.C., and other cities in the Northeast.

“There’s no better way to travel to our colleges and universities than to skip the car and travel on our state-supported trains,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA.  “Whether it’s for those early college tours or trips home once a student has enrolled, Amtrak Virginia can be a part of the college experience.”

Amtrak offers easy and convenient travel between city centers, free Wi-Fi, the freedom to use phones and electronic devices (no “airplane mode”), Quiet Cars for those who want a library-like environment to work, read or doze, the ability to travel with small pets on many trains, large spacious seats with ample leg room, and no middle seat.

“Making a college visit and touring the campus are important in a student’s decision to apply to a school,” said Jeff Mann, Amtrak Senior Director of State Supported Services. “We’re happy to aid the process by offering a safe, comfortable and sustainable way to travel to explore these educational opportunities.”

Virginia Anytime Fares offer a 15% discount for travel within Virginia and to/from Washington, D.C. From the Amtrak app, use discount code V552. Additional discounts are available for students and small groups. Terms and conditions apply. To learn more or book online, visit Amtrak.com/Virginia.

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 and expanding its state-supported Amtrak Virginia passenger rail service.  The Commonwealth of Virginia first launched state-supported service in 2009 with one roundtrip between Washington, DC and Lynchburg, VA.  Since that time, the Commonwealth’s service has grown to include eight roundtrips daily with stops at 17 stations along four corridors.  For more information, please visit vapassengerrailauthority.org.

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.

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Colleges and Universities near Amtrak Virginia corridors:

The Roanoke service makes stops in these college towns:

Roanoke – Home to Hollins University and Roanoke College

Lynchburg – Home to Liberty University and the University of Lynchburg

Charlottesville – Home to the University of Virginia

On the Newport News service, visit these towns and schools:

Williamsburg – Home to the College of William & Mary

Newport News – Home to Christopher Newport University

Take the Norfolk service to visit:

Petersburg – Home to Virginia State University

Norfolk – Home to Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University

On the Newport News, Norfolk & Richmond services you can travel to:

Fredericksburg – Home to the University of Mary Washington

Ashland – Home to Randolph Macon College

Richmond – Home to Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Richmond, and Virginia Union University

Other Virginia schools that have Amtrak Virginia service nearby include:

George Mason University in Fairfax and Marymount University in Arlington – Take the Newport News, Norfolk or Richmond services to Alexandria and use Metro or a rideshare to travel to both campuses.

Regent University in Virginia Beach and Hampton University in Hampton – Take the Norfolk or Newport News services then transfer to Amtrak’s Thruway Bus Service to Virginia Beach.

Virginia Tech – Take the Roanoke service then transfer to a Thruway bus connection to Virginia Tech and Blacksburg, VA (BLK), operated by Valley Metro’s SmartWay.  Also, with planned future expansion to the New River Valley (Christiansburg), Amtrak Virginia will offer service that includes a stop near Radford and one that is even closer to Virginia Tech.

All four Amtrak Virginia routes make a stop in Washington, DC, home to even more colleges and universities including Howard University, Georgetown University, American University, Gallaudet University, Catholic University and George Washington University.  With service from Virginia up the East Coast, Amtrak Virginia makes taking the train a great way to visit colleges and universities from Washington, DC to points north.

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Request for Qualifications is milestone for Commonwealth’s Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative

RICHMOND — The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking qualified design-build teams for the north end of the Long Bridge Project.  This milestone represents a major step in moving forward the largest project in the Commonwealth’s Transforming Rail in Virginia (TRV) initiative. The Long Bridge Project-North Package RFQ will utilize the Progressive Design Build (PDB) project delivery method.

A national model for passenger and freight rail agreements, TRV is a 10-year initiative through which the Commonwealth will acquire railroad corridors and upgrade them, increasing rail capacity with a portfolio of capital projects designed to improve reliability and increase rail service in Virginia.  Through TRV, the Commonwealth will:

• double the state-supported Amtrak service between Washington, DC and Richmond, resulting in near-hourly service along this corridor;
• increase Amtrak service to Roanoke, Newport News, and Norfolk;
• extend Amtrak service from Roanoke to the New River Valley (Christiansburg) and construct a new passenger station and platform; and
• increase VRE Fredericksburg Line service by 75 percent and add new late-night and weekend service.

The current Long Bridge – a 117-year-old railroad bridge – regularly operates at 98 percent capacity and is a chokepoint for rail traffic along the east coast.  Additional capacity is necessary to meet future demand.

The overall VPRA-led Long Bridge Project, which consists of two procurement packages, a North Package and a South Package, will construct a new railroad bridge crossing the Potomac River, adjacent to the existing Long Bridge, connecting Virginia to Washington, DC.

The new bridge will be a modern two-track bridge and will allow for the separation of passenger and freight rail traffic, improving trip times and on-time performance for both along the corridor.

“The Long Bridge Project-North Package RFQ represents the beginning of a generational project to change transportation in the Commonwealth,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA.  “Building this bridge and all of the accompanying infrastructure is vital for the future of not just rail travel, but all travel on the east coast because it will add capacity for passenger rail and for freight rail and will lessen the burden on the congested I-95 corridor.  It will increase mobility in Virginia and through Virginia, all along the east coast.”

The Long Bridge Project-North Package RFQ is the first step of a two-step procurement process for final design and construction of the project.  As a first step, teams provide their qualifications and VPRA will create a shortlist of the most qualified firms.  As the second step, shortlisted teams will submit full proposals to design and construct the project.

The North Package does not include the construction of the new bridge over the river but encompasses the area from the new bridge’s northern abutment moving north to L’Enfant interlocking near L’Enfant Plaza in Washington, DC.  This package includes the construction of a number of smaller bridges within the project footprint, including:

• a new rail bridge over the WMATA Portal/I-395;
• the replacement of the existing two-track Ohio Drive SW Rail Bridge with a four-track bridge;
• the replacement of the existing two-track Washington Channel Rail Bridge with a four-track bridge;
• the replacement of the existing two-track Maine Avenue SW Rail Bridge with a four-track bridge; and
• the replacement of the Maine Avenue SW Pedestrian Bridge.

Red line indicates Long Bridge Project-North Package

No work in the Potomac River is anticipated to be included in the Long Bridge Project–North Package.  Submissions are due on or before May 5, 2023 at 2pm Eastern time.  The RFQ is available on the VPRA website.

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 the state’s Amtrak Virginia 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.  For more information, please visit vapassengerrailauthority.org.

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