Newsletter 10/18/24: Long Bridge Construction

Virginia’s Long Bridge Project Will Lead to More Frequent And Reliable Trains

This Tuesday, Virginia’s Long Bridge Project broke ground. The $2.3 billion project will alleviate a significant bottleneck between Arlington, VA and Washington, DC. The new passenger-dedicated rail bridge will result in more frequent and reliable trains for the 6 million people who cross the bridge every year. 

“Passenger ridership is on the rise, and capacity is virtually maxed out at peak hours … a more modern structure and updated capacity are going to be vital to sustain that level of traffic, and we’re going to have a lot more coming. Supporting the economic growth that’s happening in this region requires us to make investments that should have been made a long time ago.” – U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg

Virginia has one of the most aggressive railroad programs in the country, which is backed by their 2022 state rail plan. This long-range planning has set Virginia up for excellent rail service across the state in the near future. It’s an example other states should follow, and we can support their efforts by pushing for a strong national rail program. 

Read More:

Buttigieg, Federal Lawmakers Celebrate Long Bridge Project Groundbreaking in Arlington

New Long Bridge Project Would Make Commute Easier, Faster Between Virginia, DC

Virginia: New Projects in the Old Dominion

Long Bridge Project Page

2022 Virginia Statewide Rail Program

A conceptual rendering showing how the new Long Bridge will fit between the old Long Bridge and the subway bridge.

HSRA Staff Update

Nerd Nite hosts monthly informative talks in more than a hundred cities around the world. Recently, the Alliance’s Wisconsin-based deputy director Chris Ott gave a talk to Nerd Nite Madison called “What Is High Speed Rail and When Can You Ride It?” You can watch the 25-minute video on the Alliance’s YouTube channel. Thanks to Nerd Nite Madison organizers Allyson Herro and Haley Briel for the opportunity to speak, and to videographer Max Olmsted for making and editing the recording.

Last month we also attended InnoTrans, the world’s largest trade fair focused on the railroad industry. The conference is held in Berlin and had around 170,000 visitors from 133 countries. It was great to see new high-speed and regional trains that will be in operation across the world. One of the highlights was the unveiling of Egypt’s new high-speed train. We look forward to someday soon when high-speed trains destined for the U.S. are on display at InnoTrans. You can see some pictures from our trip here.

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