Current Construction in the DC2RVA Corridor
The following projects are in various stages of construction. If you live in the respective project areas, you may see activity such as ground clearing and construction taking place. This construction is not part of the DC2RVA project, but our field teams may be in the same general locations as well to gather data as part of the DC2RVA project.
Link: http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/rail/service-alerts/richmond-rail-improvement-projects/
Lead: DRPT
Location: Richmond, VA
Status (as of October 2016): In late 2015, crews began shifting tracks within Acca Yard to make room for two new tracks along the western edge of the yard. These western yard bypass tracks will allow passenger and freight trains to pass around the yard, rather than slowing down to pass directly through the center of the yard in its current configuration. This will reduce ongoing passenger train delays experienced when interacting with freight yard operations. This work is scheduled to be completed in 2018.
Link: www.virginiaavenuetunnel.com
Lead: CSX
Location: Washington, D.C.
Status (as of October 2016): Construction began in May 2015 and is expected to take up to 42 months.
Link: www.drpt.virginia.gov/rail/major-rail-initiatives/arkendale-to-powells-creek
Lead: DRPT
Location: Stafford and Prince William Counties, VA
Status (as of October 2015): The project is underway and land north and south of Marine Corps Base Quantico has been cleared. The project is expected to be completed in 2017.*
* The 11 miles of track between Arkendale and Powell’s Creek was prioritized for 3rd track construction because it is a recognized choke point for both freight and passenger rail (Amtrak and VRE).
Link: http://www.vre.org/projects-plans-facility/projects/third-track/
Lead: VRE
Location: Spotsylvania, VA
Status (as of October 2016): The new Virginia Railways Express (VRE) Spotsylvania Station has opened and the addition of a third track from the station north to Fredericksburg (Hamilton) has been completed.
Current Studies in the SEHSR Corridor
The DC2RVA Tier II Environmental Impact Statement is just one of many projects being conducted concurrently to advance rail in the Commonwealth and the larger Southeast High Speed Rail (SEHSR) corridor.
Link: NCDOT Project Pages
Lead: NCDOT, DRPT, FRA
Status (as of October 2016): In September 2015, the Federal Railroad Administration, the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation completed the Southeast High-Speed Rail Tier II Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) Raleigh to Richmond study. (Download the signed study, appendices, and Record of Decision)
Current non-SEHSR Studies in the DC2RVA Corridor
Link: http://www.fra.dot.gov/Page/p0866
Lead: Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC), Amtrak, FRA
Location: Richmond, VA
Status (as of October 2016): FRA will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate the potential impacts to the human and natural environment of the Washington Union Station Expansion Project (Project) proposed by the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC) in coordination with the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak). The Project includes expanding and modernizing the multimodal transportation facilities at Washington Union Station, while preserving the historically significant station building.
Link: https://www.fra.dot.gov/eLib/Details/L04120
Lead: DRPT, FRA
Status (as of October 2016): A Tier I EIS and Record of Decision were approved in 2012 for high speed passenger rail from Norfolk to Petersburg and additional conventional rail service between Newport News and Richmond. Funding for a Tier II EIS and engineering design is not yet identified.
Link: longbridgeproject.com
Lead: District DOT, FRA
Status (as of October 2016): A comprehensive study for the rehabilitation or replacement of the Long Bridge over the Potomac River is underway. Long Bridge provides the only railroad crossing between the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Virginia. The two track Long Bridge is a bottleneck for passenger, commuter, and freight rail traffic on the corridor.
Link: http://potomacyardmetro.com/
Lead: City of Alexandria, WMATA, National Park Service, FTA
Status (as of October 2016): Draft EIS is complete and available for public review.
Link: http://www.craterpdc.org/transportation/NEPA_multimodal.html
Lead: Tri-Cities Area MPO, FRA
Status (as of January 2016): Stakeholder comments and station location preferences from local jurisdictions were received for inclusion in the document through a variety of outreach and information events conducted in the Fall/Winter of 2015. Additional information regarding the cultural resource analysis is still forthcoming, following prescribed processes and review periods. The final document will be released upon full concurrence on this remaining environmental matter.
Future Programs for Rail Improvements
Link: http://www.atlanticgateway.net/default.asp
Lead: FRA, FHA, CSX, Transurban, DRPT, VDOT
Location: I-95 corridor between Washington, D.C. and Fredericksburg, VA
Status: Grant funding awarded through the new FASTLANE program will be used to implement the Atlantic Gateway multi-modal program. The Atlantic Gateway program includes a suite of rail projects to address current capacity needs primarily located on the I-95 corridor between Washington, D.C. and Fredericksburg, including expansion of the Long Bridge over the Potomac River and Franconia to Occoquan third track construction. These projects will be expedited for construction and once completed will reduce travel times, expand access to employment, enhance movement of people and freight, and alleviate bottlenecks along one of nation’s busiest corridors. The Atlantic Gateway program rail projects also include improving rail operations south of Fredericksburg and dedicating the S-Line south of Richmond for future high speed passenger rail service.