TranspoFairfax

Quick Summary

The CSX / Long Bridge / Third Track program is a major passenger rail expansion effort designed to increase rail capacity, improve reliability, and support future VRE and Amtrak service. In Fairfax County, one of the most visible components is third-track construction through the Springfield–Lorton corridor near the Amtrak Auto Train facility.

Local Impact Snapshot – Lorton & South Fairfax

While the broader Long Bridge program is regional in scale, residents in South Fairfax may notice construction activity along the CSX rail corridor, especially near Lorton Road, the Amtrak Auto Train area, and nearby local roadways.

• Construction activity adjacent to the rail corridor
• Temporary lane closures or traffic shifts along Lorton Road
• Heavy equipment and materials staging near the rail line
• Periodic noise, vibration, or night/weekend work
• Coordination with nearby roadway and utility projects

Project Type

• Rail capacity expansion
• Passenger rail infrastructure
• Regional transportation improvement
• Construction impact monitoring

Location

CSX / VRE rail corridor through Northern Virginia, including the Springfield, Lorton, Auto Train, Occoquan, Alexandria, and Washington, D.C. rail connections.

Lead Agencies

• Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA)
• CSX Transportation
• Virginia Railway Express (VRE)
• Amtrak
• Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)
• Fairfax County Department of Transportation (coordination)

Purpose & Need

Passenger rail service in Northern Virginia is constrained by limited track capacity, freight-passenger conflicts, and bottlenecks at key locations including the Potomac River rail crossing. The Long Bridge / Third Track program expands rail capacity to support more reliable and more frequent passenger rail service.

Project Description

The program includes construction of additional rail infrastructure, bridge improvements, track work, signal upgrades, and corridor modernization. In Fairfax County, the third-track segment supports improved movement of VRE, Amtrak, and freight trains through one of the region’s most important rail corridors.

Current Status

🔴 Active Construction / Multi-Year Implementation

Construction and corridor work are advancing in phases. Local residents should expect periodic roadway, noise, construction access, and staging impacts as work continues.

Community Impacts / Considerations

• Temporary travel delays near Lorton Road and nearby access points
• Construction vehicle activity near the rail corridor
• Possible coordination issues with Amtrak Auto Train traffic
• Potential overlap with nearby utility and roadway projects
• Long-term benefits through expanded rail capacity and reliability

Regional Benefits

• Expanded VRE service potential
• Improved Amtrak reliability
• Reduced passenger and freight rail conflicts
• Stronger connection between Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Richmond
• Long-term support for regional mobility and economic development

Related Projects

• Amtrak Auto Train / Lorton Road traffic impacts
• Lorton Road / Silverbrook Road Improvements
• Richmond Highway BRT
• VRE systemwide capacity expansion
• Transforming Rail in Virginia

Next Steps

• Continue monitoring local construction impacts
• Track VPRA and VRE project updates
• Coordinate with roadway and utility projects affecting Lorton Road
• Add public meeting materials and project documents to the future TAC archive

References & Links

• Virginia Passenger Rail Authority – Long Bridge Program
• Virginia Railway Express – System Expansion
• Transforming Rail in Virginia
• Fairfax County transportation coordination materials

Last Updated

June 2026 – TranspoFairfax project buildout and rail corridor review.