Commuter and regional rail is set to receive a major upgrade, addressing a long-standing bottleneck that has impacted travel times and future rail expansion. Led by the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA), the Long Bridge project, which began construction in 2024, will add a second two-track span across the Potomac River, separating passenger and freight traffic and increasing overall rail capacity.
Temporary service changes took effect in January 2026, impacting select northbound Virginia Railway Express (VRE) trains during the morning rush. Manassas Line trains 332 and 334, along with Fredericksburg Line trains 312 and 314, now terminate in Alexandria (King Street-Old Town) instead of continuing to Union Station. Commuters traveling to Crystal City will need to transfer to Metrorail using the Blue or Yellow Line to complete their trip. At this time, most afternoon and evening service remains unchanged. Once complete, the project will support expanded Amtrak service, as well as additional VRE service during off-peak and weekend hours.
The existing Long Bridge is one of the most heavily used rail crossings on the East Coast, currently carrying Amtrak, VRE, and CSX freight trains across just two tracks. This shared infrastructure has created a major bottleneck, limiting the number of trains that can cross the Potomac River each day.
VRE serves thousands of commuters each day from areas such as Fredericksburg, Manassas, and surrounding regions into Arlington and Washington, DC. The Long Bridge upgrade will address this constraint by adding a new two-track bridge alongside the existing structure, effectively doubling rail capacity and improving reliability, flexibility, and future service expansion.
In addition to rail improvements, the project will also include a dedicated bicycle and pedestrian connection across the Potomac River, linking to Long Bridge Park and expanding access for people walking and biking between Arlington and Washington, DC. This added infrastructure supports safer, more connected, and more sustainable travel options across the region.
With these service changes in place, your morning commute may look slightly different depending on your route. Here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect:
While most afternoon and evening VRE service remains unchanged, some trains require passengers to transfer at Alexandria, for example, select Fredericksburg and Manassas Line trains departing Union Station in the afternoon carry passengers who will need to transfer at Alexandria before continuing their trip.
To avoid potential crowding or delays, commuters traveling from Crystal City may consider taking Metrorail (Blue or Yellow Line) to Alexandria (King Street-Old Town) to board their VRE train. Planning ahead can help ensure a smoother and more predictable evening commute.
Navigating service changes during the Long Bridge project doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Arlington Transportation Partners (ATP) works directly with commuters and employers to help you adjust your routine and find the most efficient route during construction.
Whether you need to plan a new transfer at Alexandria, adjust your departure time to avoid crowding, or explore alternative options like Metrorail, biking, or walking, ATP provides personalized commute planning tailored to your schedule and preferences.
ATP’s tools, including the Regional Transportation Guide and Quick Glance Guides, offer clear, easy-to-use information on transit routes, transfer points, and multimodal options to help you stay on track throughout construction.
Start planning ahead and build a commute that works for you during these changes.