This week, Virginia’s Long Bridge Project officially began, marking a significant step toward easing a major rail bottleneck between Arlington, VA, and Washington, DC. The $2.3 billion project will create a new passenger-dedicated rail bridge, improving the frequency and reliability of trains for the 6 million passengers who cross the bridge annually.
With passenger demand surging, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the need for modernization. “Capacity is maxed out at peak hours… Supporting the economic growth in this region requires investments that should have been made long ago,” Buttigieg said.
Backed by Virginia’s 2022 state rail plan, the project is part of one of the most aggressive railroad programs in the country, setting the state up for enhanced rail service and potentially serving as a model for nationwide infrastructure improvements.