To meet growing transportation needs at Marine Corps Base Quantico and in the Town of Quantico, STV provided final design services for major upgrades to the historic Quantico Station. The station previously operated with two mainline tracks accommodating Virginia Railway Express, Amtrak and CSX Transportation freight service. The expansion improves access to the existing tracks and accommodates CSX’s new third mainline track being built as part of the Arkendale to Powell’s Creek Third Track Project.
What challenges did STV address?
The project required expanding platforms, modernizing access and maintaining rail operations in a constrained corridor bordering one of the largest U.S. Marine Corps bases. Designing new elevator towers required coordination with MCB Quantico and the Federal Aviation Administration due to airspace and security considerations. Additionally, the team had to improve at‑grade crossing safety and design a long retaining wall to support track expansion while minimizing impacts to base activities.
What solutions did STV deliver?
STV extended the east platform by 550 feet and designed a new 840‑foot island platform between the existing west track and CSX’s new third track. Three new elevator towers with brick façades connect via pedestrian bridges to provide grade‑separated access to both platforms. STV improved the Potomac Avenue at‑grade crossing with four‑quadrant gates and designed a 714‑foot retaining wall using soldier piles with precast panels and a soil‑nail wall with cast‑in‑place facing to support top‑down construction.
How does this project benefit the community?
The expanded station enhances accessibility, improves safety and increases capacity for military personnel, residents and commuters. By accommodating a third mainline track and providing modernized access, the project strengthens regional rail reliability on a heavily used passenger and freight corridor.
Key stats and accolades
- 1,390 feet of new platform length
- 3,600 feet of new third track
- 714‑foot retaining wall supporting base operations
- Grade‑separated access via three elevator towers
- Enhanced at‑grade crossing with four‑quadrant gates
