Beginning January 2026, the historic Long Bridge—spanning the Potomac River between Virginia and Washington, DC—will undergo a multi-year construction project aimed at doubling rail capacity along a critical 1.8-mile corridor. The CSX-owned two-track bridge will be expanded to four tracks, a move that will significantly improve rail service and reliability. During construction, travel for Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and Amtrak passengers will be affected. Each year, over 5 million riders rely on Long Bridge, making it a vital link for regional commuting and travel.
What Employers Should Know:
- VRE Service Continues: VRE will maintain its full schedule of 32 daily trains. However, some later morning trains will terminate at Alexandria Station instead of continuing into DC.
- Midday Construction Window: Work will occur during a dedicated window from 8:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., during which no trains will pass through Long Bridge.
- Long-Term Timeline: Construction is expected to continue for five years.
Why It Matters for Your Workforce:
As commuting patterns shift due to Long Bridge construction, employers may face new challenges in supporting staff who rely on VRE or Amtrak. Proactive adjustments—such as flexible work hours, hybrid schedules, or telework policies—can help maintain productivity and morale.
Commuter Connections is here to help. Our free, expert services support your workforce in finding reliable alternatives, from carpool ridematching to customized commute planning. We can also assist in developing flexible scheduling policies tailored to your business needs.
Let us help you stay ahead of the disruption—contact Commuter Connections today.
