District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser and Virginia Gov. Ralph S. Northam announced Thursday that a project to expand passenger and commercial rail capacity along the east coast, the Long Bridge Project, had reached a major milestone – the completion of environmental planning for the project.
The project will add two new bridges spanning the Potomac River. The two-track structure is adjacent to the existing bridge and a new bicycle and pedestrian-only bridge.
“By increasing freight and passenger rail capacity and adding long-sought connections between bicycle and pedestrian routes in the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia, the Long Bridge Project is helping us build not just a more connected region, but a greener and more sustainable region,” Bowser said.
The existing bridge is the only railroad bridge connecting the district and Virginia and is considered to be one of the most significant passenger and freight rail choke points along the east coast. Currently, under normal weekday rush hour conditions, the bridge operates a 98 percent capacity.
By separating passenger and freight rail, the new bridge will reduce congestion and eliminate an estimated 1 million trucks from the roadways.
“A new bridge across the Potomac River represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make the rail system work better for everyone along the entire East Coast,” Northam said. “The project has passed an important milestone, thanks to close collaboration between Virginia, D.C., and the private sector. We are all excited about bringing easier and faster mobility to commuters and travelers.”
The project will also include a pedestrian and bicycle bridge that will be the only independent non-vehicular bridge over the Potomac.