The Long Bridge North project in Washington, D.C., a rail infrastructure initiative aimed at easing one of the East Coast’s most congested rail corridors, has taken a new step forward with the awarding of a $1 billion construction contract.
The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) announced that construction and development company Skanska will oversee the building of a critical stretch of the project running from East Potomac Park to L’Enfant Interlocking in D.C.
Why It Matters
The new four-track bridge system will replace a century-old, two-track CSX-owned structure that is currently operating at 98 percent capacity during peak hours. It serves as a chokepoint for nearly 80 trains per day operated by CSX, Amtrak, and Virginia Railway Express. By increasing capacity, the project could improve both freight and passenger train reliability and frequency.
A rendering of the Long Bridge North Project, in Washington, D.C. A rendering of the Long Bridge North Project, in Washington, D.C. ACS
What To Know
The work is part of the $2.3 billion Long Bridge initiative, which spans 1.8 miles across the Potomac River and will modernize freight and passenger service between Washington, D.C., and Arlington.
The $1 billion Skanska contract, announced July 8, covers the northern section of the Long Bridge Project. This phase will include replacing a two-track corridor with a modern four-track system across the Washington Channel and into the L’Enfant rail junction.
The refurbished eastern tracks will continue to support CSX freight operations, while newly built western tracks will be used by Amtrak’s long-distance trains, Amtrak Virginia state-supported service, and the Virginia Railway Express, according to Mass Transit Magazine.
The southern section of the bridge, is being managed by Long Bridge Rail Partners. The “south package” of the project will build a separate pedestrian and cyclist bridge, as well as four other rail bridges and additional infrastructure from Rosslyn Interlocking to the river’s edge.
The project is backed by significant federal investment. A $729 million grant from the Federal Railroad Administration’s Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail program is helping to close the funding gap, according to a Washington Post report.
What People Are Saying
Skanska USA Civil Executive Vice President Michael Viggiano said in a statement: “Skanska is proud to be leading the construction team and work for the Long Bridge North Project, which will vastly improve freight and passenger rail service in the capital region.
“With funding in place and planning and approvals now complete, this highly complex and critical infrastructure project is shovel-ready.”
What’s Next
Construction on the full Long Bridge Project is scheduled to be completed by 2030, according to VPRA. Once finished, the new infrastructure is expected to improve rail capacity along the East Coast, streamline intercity travel, and support long-term economic growth in the region.
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