The Long Bridge is one of the Washington region’s most critical rail corridors, carrying nearly 80 daily CSX Transportation, Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express trains – supporting millions of passengers each year. Operating at 98% capacity during peak periods, the existing bridge can no longer meet long-term travel demand. To significantly expand service, the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) is advancing a $2.3 billion program to construct a new two-track railroad bridge parallel to the existing structure, while also creating a new bicycle and pedestrian crossing connecting Arlington, Virginia, to Washington, D.C.
What challenges are STV addressing?
The corridor is constrained by aging infrastructure, limited capacity, and increasing passenger and freight demand. Without intervention, congestion, delays and operational bottlenecks would continue to impact mobility throughout the region. VPRA’s South Package – focused on the Virginia side of the bridge – requires addressing complex urban, environmental and rail operational considerations while ensuring uninterrupted service across one of the busiest rail corridors on the East Coast.
What solutions are STV delivering?
As lead designer for the Long Bridge Rail Partners design-build team—working alongside Trumbull, Fay, S&B, USA Construction and Wagman – STV is delivering comprehensive civil, structural, geotechnical, environmental, signals, utilities and landscape architecture design. Our team is coordinating multidisciplinary engineering solutions to support new rail infrastructure, multimodal connectivity and long-term operational resilience.
How will this project benefit the region?
Doubling rail capacity between Virginia and the District will unlock new passenger service, improve reliability, and reduce delays for commuters, regional travelers, and freight operators. The new bike and pedestrian bridge creates an essential multimodal link, enhancing accessibility and recreation opportunities while strengthening connections between communities on both sides of the Potomac River.
Key Stats and Accolades
- Nearly 80 daily rail movements supported by the corridor
- New two-track railroad bridge parallel to existing Long Bridge
- New bicycle and pedestrian crossing linking Arlington, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
