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Amtrak Charger 320 leads a southbound Amtrak train across the Long Bridge over the Potomac River to enter Arlington, Virginia on May 1, 2026. The construction equipment visible is in the early phase of testing and construction for the new VPRA Potomac River Passenger Rail Bridge which will add two more tracks crossing the Potomac at this location and will tie into existing tracks, plus the new fourth track being added on both sides of the river. — Wilson B. Harkins III

Rail Improvement Projects In Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia

Wilson B. Harkins III / ph0tos as noted

A multi-billion dollar series of projects across the District of Columbia and northern Virginia have moved from paper designs into active construction…

ABOVE: An outbound WMATA Metro Rail train is crossing the Potomac River into Virginia while an outbound VRE train crosses the river on the parallel CSX Long Bridge. In between the two bridges is construction equipment for testing and construction of a new pedestrian bridge and the new Potomac River Passenger Rail Bridge. These new bridges will be owned by the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority and will add two more tracks across the river, increasing capacity for passenger and freight trains. This view is from Long Bridge Park in Arlington, Virginia. Clearing of trees for construction work has opened this new view of the river and bridges. — Wilson B. Harkins III

Work on these projects will continue into 2030. The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) is working in cooperation/partnership with CSX, VRE, the Virginia Department of Transportation, the District Department of Transportation, the National Park Service and local jurisdictions to accomplish these projects…

Read the rest of this article in the July 2026 issue of Railpace Newsmagazine. Subscribe Today!

M&E unveils America 250 Tribute

The Morristown & Erie Railway proudly unveiled locomotive M&E 26 on June 20, 2026, emerging from the Morristown Engine House through a dramatic shower of sparks and thick cloud of fog to a round cheers and applause as its tribute to the 250th anniversary of the United States. The locomotive was revealed during a special evening ceremony at the railroad’s Morristown headquarters, drawing railfans, employees, and members of the community to celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial.

Commonwealth Transportation Board Approves Six-Year Improvement Program

The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) approved the Six-Year Improvement Program (SYIP) for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) yesterday, which will allocate $28.5 billion to transportation projects over the next six fiscal years beginning July 1, 2026.