New temporary travel changes are now in effect for passengers heading between Hampton Roads and Washington, D.C.
NORFOLK, Va. — New travel changes are now in effect for passengers heading between Hampton Roads and Washington, D.C.
Some Amtrak train rides are temporarily being replaced with bus service as crews work to expand passenger rail service across Virginia.
Construction is already underway on the Long Bridge, which carries rail traffic across the Potomac River and into Washington, D.C. The bridge is heavily used by trains traveling up and down the East Coast.
DJ Stadtler, executive director of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority, said the bridge is one of the biggest challenges limiting passenger rail growth.
“One of the biggest bottlenecks that we have to address is the Long Bridge,” Stadtler said.
The Long Bridge currently operates with two tracks and is more than 100 years old. Stadtler said it operates at more than 98% capacity during peak hours.
To address that issue, crews are building a new passenger-only bridge. Construction is taking place during a mid-morning work window when train traffic must pause, leading to temporary schedule changes across the Commonwealth.
Before the changes, passengers could take three trains from Norfolk and two trains from Newport News. With construction underway, riders will now see fewer trains and additional bus options.
There are now four train options total, two from Norfolk and two from Newport News, along with two new direct buses. The morning buses run directly from Norfolk and Newport News to Union Station in Washington, D.C. without making stops.
Stadtler said the temporary changes are meant to give riders flexibility while construction continues.
“The more times we give you to leave Hampton Roads or show up, the more likely you are to take that train,” he said.
Passengers can still book trips through Amtrak, and tickets clearly indicate whether the trip includes a train or a bus.
Stadtler said riders do not need to go anywhere new to book travel, and all information is listed directly on their ticket.
Leaders with the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority say passenger rail ridership is higher now than it has been in the past five years.
Once the new Long Bridge project is completed around 2030, rail leaders say riders can expect more train service and additional travel options across Virginia.
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