Saturday, February 08, 2020

Passenger Trains in Virginia

The state recently announce a multi year, multi billion dollar investment in passenger rail in Virginia.  There are two major parts to this.  One is buying rights of way, for two dedicated passenger tracks, running north and south across the state.  The right of way is there, much of it controlled by freight rail.  On parts of it, the tracks exist, some needing updating. On other parts the tracks need to be built. This will give passenger service priority over freight on those tracks, reducing delays.  The other major part is building a new rail bridge across the Potomac River from Virginia to DC. The existing bridge is over 100 years old, and two tracks wide.  It is shared with freight rail, limiting the number of passenger trains that can pass that way.  A new two track bridge will be built parallel to it, providing capacity and redundancy.   

One of the outcomes of this will be the ability to increase capacity on the VRE commuter trains.  There is a VRE station, about a mile from the Condo.  VRE really helped bridge the gap for me last summer while the subway lines were down for major rebuilding.  

13 comments:

  1. I spy with my little eye...A PENGUIN! I can remember when VRE began; people swore it would never be popular. bwhahahahaha!

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    1. About five years ago, the management contract for VRE went to the French, the service is very good.

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  2. Anonymous2/08/2020

    Build it and they will come. It sounds like a great project.

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    Replies
    1. Especially in a metro area of over 6-million people.

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  3. I remember that bridge across the Potomac. Progress can often be a good thing.

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    1. I am glad we are keeping the old bridge, it has been a part of the landscape forever. It was actually a replacement for a wood bridge, some of the stone piers date back to before the civil war.

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    2. @penguin - get outta town, really? I know the bridge you mentioned. history in front of your eyes, built to last centuries.

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    3. AM-Warrior Queen, there was an argument that the old bridge is a rusty old eyesore and should be replaced by a new four track bridge. I was very glad that the decision was made to keep the old bridge. It is structurally sound, and I agree a part of history.

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  4. I dislike flying but I like train rides

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