Upgrades improve accessibility and communications

RICHMOND — To provide the most up-to-date train status information to customers, the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA), Amtrak, and the City of Richmond have collaborated on the installation of a Passenger Information Display System (PIDS) at the Amtrak Station on Main Street in Richmond, Va.

The system provides customers with real-time information on train arrivals and departures and track assignments in audible and visual formats.  This system can also announce essential updates information during service disruptions. PIDS is equipped with an adaptive sound system that adjusts to different environmental noise levels. This allows the system to detect ambient noise and alter the volume of announcements during special events at the station.

Amtrak Virginia trains offer direct service to the Main Street Station to and from Newport News, Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and as far north as Boston. The station is a National Historic Landmark and located in Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom district.

Other Virginia stations are equipped with PIDS including Lynchburg, Newport News, Norfolk, Petersburg, Williamsburg, and the Staples Mill Road Station in Richmond, Va.

“Bringing PIDS to Main Street Station is a huge benefit to our passengers,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA.  “Information is key in our industry and providing necessary train information in a timely manner will only enhance the customer experience.”

“Improving accessibility across all modes of transportation throughout the city is one of the most important objectives of the Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility, states Dironna Moore Clarke, DPW Deputy Director.

“Amtrak is committed to providing timely and accurate customer communications across all channels – in stations, on board trains, via our mobile apps and our various web-based platforms,” said Dr. David Handera, Amtrak Vice President, Accessibility, Stations & Facilities CAO. “Thanks to VPRA, the City of Richmond and our dedicated, multi-departmental team for this modern and accessible system that will enhance the travel experience.”

Amtrak collaborated closely with the City of Richmond throughout the design process to ensure the system met the architectural standards of Main Street Station.  City officials provided valuable input during both the design and installation phases to ensure the new system preserved the station’s historical significance.

Plans are underway to install PIDS at the Amtrak Station in Ashland, Va.

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 18 stations along four corridors.  For more information, please visit vapassengerrailauthority.org.

About Amtrak®
Amtrak is seizing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform rail and Retrain Travel. By modernizing, enhancing, and expanding trains, stations, and infrastructure, Amtrak is meeting the rising demand for train travel. Amtrak offers unforgettable experiences to more than 500 destinations across 46 states and parts of Canada. Learn more at Amtrak.com, download the Amtrak app, connect with us on X, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and join Amtrak Guest Rewards to start earning points toward Amtrak reward travel, upgrades, gift cards and more.

City of Richmond – Main Street Station
Main Street Station (MSS) is owned and operated by the Department of Public Works. Built in 1901, the station is centrally located in the heart of the city and is a historic transportation hub offering a blend of modern amenities, historic charm, and classic, stunning architectural design. It features a grand central atrium, intricate stonework, head house, train shed, outdoor space (and patio), and a distinctive clock tower creating a lasting impression of Richmond along the I-95 corridor. This historic venue offers a unique setting for both public and private events. It provides Virginia and the northeast corridor a unique world-class event space that includes 47,000 square feet enclosed in glass, providing breathtaking views of downtown Richmond. It’s a top venue for weddings and events, appearing on numerous “best of” listings. Main Street Station serves as a key point for both Amtrak and local commuter rail services. The station is a vital connection to the region’s transportation network which include partnerships with bus services, such as, GRTC Pulse Bus Rapid Transit, Greyhound and various Megabus services. It also offers bike paths connecting to the Virginia Capital Trail. Described as an “architectural gem” by the United States Postal Service, MSS was selected and featured on a postage stamp!

###

Completes selection process for the Long Bridge Project  

RICHMOND – The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) today announced the selection of the Long Bridge Rail Partners – a joint venture comprised of Trumbull Corp., Fay, S&B Construction, and Wagman Heavy Civil, Inc. – as construction partner for the Long Bridge Project-South Package.  VPRA separated the Long Bridge Project, a new two-track bridge across the Potomac River, into two procurements, a North Package and a South Package. The North Package was awarded to Skanska/Flatiron Joint Venture in December 2023.

“The selection of Long Bridge Rail Partners completes the team that will build the largest of our Transforming Rail in Virginia projects, which will significantly change the way Virginians travel,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA.  “Our efforts to provide Virginians with expanded passenger rail service would not be possible without the continued support of Governor Youngkin and Secretary of Transportation Miller.  We thank them for their support in making our vision a reality.”

“Virginia’s investment in rail will benefit passengers as well as our freight partners up and down the east coast,” said Tiffany Robinson, Director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation and Chair of the VPRA Board.  “Long Bridge is vital to this expansion.  We look forward to working with Long Bridge Rail Partners on this project which will reshape rail service in the Commonwealth.”

“The Long Bridge Rail Partners (Trumbull, Wagman, and Fay, S&B USA Construction) are excited to work with VPRA on such a challenging, transformative project for the Washington metropolitan area,” said Mark Gentile, President of Trumbull Corporation. “Together with designer STV, we offer extensive bridge, marine, and railway experience to design and build the best solution for VPRA and the region.”

Long Bridge – South Package

The Long Bridge Project encompasses a 1.8-mile railroad corridor between Arlington, Virginia and Washington, DC.  The South Package will use the Design-Build method to build a new two-track railroad bridge across the Potomac River, a bicycle/pedestrian bridge as well as all associated infrastructure between Arlington and Washington, DC.  In June, VPRA issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to the qualified design-build teams for the south end of the project.

The selection of the Long Bridge Rail Partners moves the project to the next level as all players are now in place. The Long Bridge Rail Partners team will take the project through the final design phase, incorporating innovative alternative technical concepts, through construction with completion expected in 2030.

The Long Bridge-South Package includes construction from the Rosslyn Interlocking in Arlington, Virginia to the northern abutment of the New Long Bridge on the north side of Ohio Drive SW in East Potomac Park in the District.

The South Package includes:

• Potomac River Bridge – A new two track rail crossing over the George Washington Memorial Parkway and the Potomac River.
• Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge – A new 16-foot wide bicycle and pedestrian crossing over the George Washington Memorial Parkway and the Potomac River. Dedicated solely to bicycles and pedestrians, this bridge will improve access and provide a safe crossing for those not in cars or on trains.  The bridge will have connections at the Long Bridge Aquatic Center, the Mount Vernon Trail, and Ohio Drive SW.
• Additional Infrastructure – New retaining walls and associated embankments will be built at the George Washington Parkway as well as a new fender system within the Potomac River Navigational Channel.

In October, VPRA joined officials including U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, as well as U.S. Representatives Gerry Connelly and Abigail Spanberger, for a groundbreaking ceremony for the $2.3 billion infrastructure improvement project.  The new Long Bridge will be strategically placed between the existing Long Bridge and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Yellow Line bridge and will relieve one of the worst rail traffic bottlenecks on the East Coast.

VPRA’s Partners

Expanding passenger rail throughout the Commonwealth would not be possible without a strong partnership with the District of Columbia.  VPRA recognizes the vital role DC plays in finding a workable solution for our area’s traffic challenges.

“Mayor Muriel Bowser, along with The District Department of Transportation are thrilled to hear of the announcement of the selection of the construction partner for the Long Bridge-South Package, marking a significant milestone in advancing this transformative project,” said DDOT Director Sharon Kershbaum. “The completion of the Long Bridge will greatly benefit Washingtonians and the entire region by enhancing connectivity, improving transportation options, and fostering economic growth. We are excited to collaborate with our Virginia Passenger Rail Authority partners to bring this vital infrastructure project to fruition.”

VPRA continues to work closely with VRE to improve and expand its Fredericksburg and Manassas Line service.  VRE’s support includes close to $200 million in contributions towards the TRV program.

“The award of the Long Bridge-South package puts VRE one step closer toward its transformation from a commuter rail service to a regional one,” said VRE CEO Rich Dalton. “When this bridge opens in 2030, VRE will be able to expand service on both of its lines to meet the growing needs of travelers in the region. And, due to the separation of freight and passenger trains, we will experience improvements in reliability. VRE is pleased to partner with VPRA on this and other TRV projects.”

Working with CSX to expand service throughout the Commonwealth, VPRA was able to purchase the railroad right-of-way which will make Long Bridge and other TRV projects possible.

“The Long Bridge Project will unlock the bottleneck in this congested corridor and provide enhanced service for CSX customers, as well as VRE and Amtrak passengers,” said Randy Marcus, Director of State Relations for Virginia, West Virginia, and D.C. at CSX. “CSX’s collaboration with the Commonwealth continues to deliver economic and transportation benefits to businesses and commuters in Virginia and across the region.”

Amtrak, which has served as the state’s operational partner since Virginia’s state-supported service began in 2009, is contributing $944 million to the TRV program.  Rail improvements will benefit the network of Amtrak Virginia, long distance, and commuter services operating in the Commonwealth.

“We are happy with this significant development advancing the Long Bridge project to improve rail infrastructure in Virginia,” Amtrak Vice President Ray Lang said. “We are proud to partner with VPRA on the continued growth of passenger rail for travel between the Northeast and Southeast regions.”

Transforming Rail in Virginia

A national model for the expansion of state-supported passenger rail service, TRV is the Commonwealth’s $5 billion initiative to expand passenger rail service and give Virginian’s an alternative to the state’s ever-growing traffic problem.  With VPRA leading the way, the Commonwealth is changing the future of rail transportation by acquiring railroad right-of-way, increasing rail capacity, and reworking passenger and freight operations to improve reliability and increase rail service.

Other partners who have helped bring TRV to fruition include:

• Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)who supported Long Bridge with a $729 million grant through its Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program (FSP-National).
• Virginia’s Congressional delegation, who supported program funding and VPRA grant applications to ensure funding for Long Bridge as well as all Phase 2 TRV projects.
• The Virginia General Assembly, who through their 2020 enabling legislation, created VPRA and established the Commonwealth Transportation Fund that provides ongoing funding for VPRA’s TRV projects.

Through a combination of state & local dollars and federal grants, Long Bridge as well as all Phose 2 TRV projects, are currently fully-funded.  Once Phase 2 is complete, VPRA will fund a total of 13 daily Amtrak Virginia roundtrips, up from the current eight, along four corridors between Washington, DC and Roanoke, Newport News, Norfolk, and Richmond with continuing service to points north including Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, 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. Through its Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative, VPRA is acquiring railroad right-of-way and building infrastructure to expand passenger rail throughout Virginia.  VPRA is also 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, Virginia’s state-supported passenger rail service has grown to include eight roundtrips daily with stops at 17 stations along four corridors. For more information, please visit vapassengerrailauthority.org.

###

Virginia’s TRV initiative could provide nearly $7 billion economic boost

RICHMOND — Today the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia published the Economic and Social Impact of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority’s (VPRA) Transforming Rail in Virginia (TRV) initiative. The study takes a deep dive into the benefits of expanding passenger rail service in the Commonwealth and how the state’s investment in this transportation alternative will provide not only an economic boost to the state but will make generational changes in the way Virginians travel.

TRV is the Commonwealth’s forward-looking plan that calls for moving Virginians by using an existing rail corridor and building new infrastructure, eventually separating freight and passenger rail services, and improving the on-time performance of both. Once complete, VPRA will fund a total of 13 daily Amtrak roundtrips, up from the current eight, along four corridors between Washington, DC and Roanoke, Newport News, Norfolk, and Richmond.

The Transforming Rail in Virginia: Economic and Social Impacts study estimates that spending nearly $4.7 billion on TRV’s infrastructure projects will result in:

• The creation of 33,688 jobs;
• generating $2.6 billion in labor income;
• with $4 billion in value-added;
• and $6.7 billion in statewide economic output.

“The results of the Transforming Rail in Virginia study reveal the importance of advancing a transportation plan that includes rail as an alternative to driving,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA. “The economic benefits are clear, but including the social impacts reveal how rail can significantly benefit communities, safety, and the environment.”

The Transforming Rail study also mentions that the impacts of TRV are not limited to economic development. The transportation improvements will influence future property values and land use decisions, as well as positively impact accessibility, and social wellbeing. The report also shines light on ways TRV can promote rail, removing barriers to its use by offering more service to more locations thus creating regular users from those who previously had not considered rail as a viable alternative. Secondary impacts include the diversion of traffic from the automobile to passenger rail resulting in reduced road congestion, lower vehicle emissions, and improved safety. TRV also has the opportunity to enhance the quality of life of Virginians by expanding access to employment centers, educational institutions, and recreational areas as well as promoting tourism throughout the state.

Read the report here.

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. Through its Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative, VPRA is acquiring railroad right-of-way and building infrastructure to expand passenger rail throughout Virginia. VPRA is also 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, Virginia’s state-supported passenger rail service has grown to include eight roundtrips daily with stops at 17 stations along four corridors. For more information, please visit vapassengerrailauthority.org. Follow us on social media: Facebook @VAPassengerRail, X @vapassengerrail, LinkedIn virginia-passenger-rail-authority, and YouTube @virginiapassengerrailauthority.

About University of Virginia’s

Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service

The University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service supports a well-informed citizenry by providing nonpartisan, reliable research and leadership training to individuals and entities that serve the public good. The Cooper Center’s staff are experts in in public management, demography, economics and public finance, policy, political science, mediation, leadership and organizational development, survey research, and more. For more information, please visit http://www.coopercenter.org/.

###

Project enhances safety, service, and rail capacity

ALEXANDRIA — The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) celebrated the completion of a $27.5 million improvement project at the Quantico train station with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 1. The project is designed to improve safety, service, and rail capacity on VPRA’s Amtrak Virginia state-supported service and VRE’s Fredericksburg Line.

“This transformative project – which brings a renewed sense of vibrancy to the Quantico station and town surrounding it – is the result of strong partnerships with other railroads, local jurisdictions, Marine Corps Base Quantico, and federal and state agencies,” said VRE CEO Rich Dalton. “These improvements will enhance the passenger experience, increase operational flexibility, and make the station accessible.”

The project includes construction of a pedestrian bridge, which replaces an at-grade crossing; center platform; and extension of an existing platform. The station, which is also served by Amtrak, now has three boardable platform edges. Rehabilitation of the 1953 station house includes fresh paint, modern furnishings and new display screens.

The Quantico station improvements are part of a larger VPRA project, funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Commonwealth of Virginia and constructed by CSX Transportation (CXST), that adds 9.2 miles of a third mainline track between control points Arkendale and North Possum Point.  The addition of this third track will improve on time performance for Amtrak and VRE trains, as more rail capacity allows for faster passenger trains to pass trains that travel at lower speeds.  The $101.4 million Arkendale project is a part of VPRA’s Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative to expand passenger rail service in the Commonwealth.

“The Arkendale project represents the first completion of rail capacity projects in the Commonwealth, and these projects will enable more passenger service, thereby offering Virginians more choices to avoid the “all day rush hour” on our interstates,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA.  “This project was funded by both federal and state tax dollars signaling a commitment from both Washington and Richmond to expanding passenger rail service in Northern Virginia.”

VRE’s Quantico station construction partners include CSXT, Archer & Western, Dewberry, HDR, STV and U.S. Facilities, Inc. Its three jurisdictional partners are the Town of Quantico, Prince William County, and Marine Corps Base Quantico.  VPRA’s partner on the third track project is CSXT.

About VRE

VRE, the nation’s 13th largest commuter rail service, connects Central and Northern Virginia with the District of Columbia. VRE is recognized for its provision of safe, reliable, convenient, and comfortable transportation. Its two lines, Manassas and Fredericksburg, serve 19 stations, including two – L’Enfant and Union Station – in D.C. Additional information is available at www.vre.org.

About VPRA

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. Through its Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative, VPRA is acquiring railroad right-of-way and building infrastructure to expand passenger rail throughout Virginia.  VPRA is also 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, Virginia’s state-supported passenger rail service has grown to include eight roundtrips daily with stops at 17 stations along four corridors. For more information, please visit vapassengerrailauthority.org.

# # #

Bridge is flagship of Transforming Rail in Virginia Initiative

RICHMOND — The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA), together with officials including U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner as well as U.S. Representatives Gerry Connelly and Abigail Spanberger, today participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the state’s Long Bridge Project. The largest of the Commonwealth’s Transforming Rail in Virginia (TRV) projects, Long Bridge is a $2.3 billion infrastructure improvement which will provide increased capacity for passenger rail over the Potomac River.

The new two-track railroad bridge will connect Arlington, Virginia with Washington, DC allowing for the expansion of rail service to meet future demand. Construction activities including site preparation will begin over the next few weeks with large-scale construction beginning in 2025. The project is scheduled for completion in 2030. The new bridge will be constructed adjacent to the existing bridge, a 119-year-old river crossing that currently operates at 98% capacity during peak periods – and will relieve one of the largest rail traffic bottlenecks on the East Coast. Further, the new bridge will aid the state in separating passenger rail from freight rail, improving the on-time performance for both.

“In Virginia, our crippling traffic has truly become a bipartisan issue, and the Long Bridge groundbreaking represents our bipartisan solution,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of the VPRA. “But it’s not just Virginians who will benefit. Travelers from Boston to Miami will feel the effects of this project, and through our Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative, VPRA’s capital investments will add $7.2 billion to our economy.”

Transforming Rail is a national model for state-supported passenger rail service that will give Virginians an alternative to driving along congested highways and interstates. The initiative calls for moving Virginians by using an existing rail corridor and building new infrastructure. When complete, TRV will enable the state’s Amtrak Virginia service to offer a total of 13 daily roundtrips up from eight currently, traveling throughout the state and connecting to the Northeast Corridor.

VPRA began its TRV expansion by purchasing rail right-of-way from freight partners, CSX and Norfolk Southern. In the past two years, VPRA has acquired nearly 500 miles of railroad right-of-way in corridors along I-95, I-64, I-85, I-81, and I-66. Just last month, VPRA signed a new deal with Norfolk Southern to purchase the Manassas Line, and gain access to their Main Line for service to the New River Valley. By purchasing railroad right-of-way, VPRA now has the unique opportunity to own these valuable assets and further enhance rail capacity. With the Norfolk Southern agreement as well as a similar 2021 agreement with CSX, VPRA can now work with VRE to expand their service on both the Manassas and Fredericksburg Lines including offering evening and weekend trains. One key milestone to the second wave of VRE expansion is completion of the Long Bridge project.

Virginia launched its first state-supported train on October 1, 2009 – a roundtrip between Washington, DC and Lynchburg. Ridership that first year was expected to be about 30,000 passengers. However, when more than 100,000 passengers traveled, it was clear that passenger rail was something all Virginians wanted and needed.

Since that first year, ridership has grown as service has expanded. During calendar year 2023, more than 1.32 million passengers traveled on Amtrak Virginia and so far this calendar year, ridership is up 7.3% compared to last year. Currently, Amtrak Virginia offers one seat rides from Virginia to New York or Boston along with other destinations on the Northeast Corridor, with three daily roundtrips from Norfolk, two daily roundtrips from Roanoke and Newport News, and one daily roundtrip from Richmond.

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, Virginia’s state-supported passenger rail service has grown to include eight roundtrips daily with stops at 17 stations along four corridors. For more information, please visit vapassengerrailauthority.org.

Follow us on social media: Facebook @VAPassengerRail, X @vapassengerrail, LinkedIn virginia-passenger-rail-authority, and YouTube @virginiapassengerrailauthority.

###