The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) has chosen Long Bridge Rail Partners, a collaborative effort involving Trumbull Corp., Fay, S&B Construction, and Wagman Heavy Civil, Inc., to undertake the South Package of the ambitious Long Bridge Project. This selection marks a significant milestone in enhancing rail infrastructure between Arlington and Washington, D.C. The project aims to alleviate traffic congestion by constructing a new two-track railroad bridge across the Potomac River, along with a bicycle/pedestrian bridge and essential infrastructure. Following the award of the North Package to Skanska/Flatiron Joint Venture in December 2023, this move signifies substantial progress toward completing the entire Long Bridge Project by 2030. Additionally, the South Package includes vital construction elements such as retaining walls and embankments at the George Washington Parkway and a new fender system within the Potomac River Navigation Channel.

The Long Bridge Project is part of VPRA's broader initiative to transform rail travel in Virginia. The South Package, awarded to Long Bridge Rail Partners, will significantly impact the region's transportation network. This segment involves building critical infrastructure that connects Rosslyn Interlocking to the northern abutment of the new Long Bridge in East Potomac Park. The Design-Build method will be employed to ensure efficiency and innovation in the construction process. Collaboration with CSX has been instrumental in expanding rail services, as evidenced by the purchase of the railroad right-of-way by VPRA. Randy Marcus, Director of State Relations for Virginia, West Virginia, and D.C. at CSX, highlighted the importance of this project in unlocking bottlenecks and enhancing service for both freight and passenger rail operations.

Amtrak, having served as Virginia’s operational partner since 2009, is contributing $944 million to the Transforming Rail in Virginia (TRV) program. Ray Lang, Amtrak Vice President, expressed satisfaction with the advancement of the Long Bridge Project, emphasizing its role in improving rail infrastructure. DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA, underscored the significance of selecting Long Bridge Rail Partners for this transformative endeavor. He acknowledged the support of Governor Youngkin and Secretary of Transportation Miller, whose backing has been crucial in realizing this vision. The Department of Rail and Public Transportation's Director, Tiffany Robinson, emphasized how this investment in rail will benefit passengers and freight partners along the east coast. Mark Gentile, President of Trumbull Corporation, conveyed excitement about working on this challenging project, highlighting the team's extensive experience in bridge, marine, and railway construction.

This collaboration represents a major step forward in reshaping rail service in Virginia. By alleviating congestion and enhancing connectivity, the Long Bridge Project will not only improve travel experiences but also stimulate economic growth in the region. The successful completion of the South Package will pave the way for a more efficient and reliable rail network, benefiting commuters and businesses alike. The involvement of key stakeholders like CSX and Amtrak ensures that this project will have far-reaching impacts, setting the stage for a brighter future in transportation infrastructure.