New bridge expected to improve VRE service

WASHINGTON (Map, News) - Virginia Railway Express trains have begun traveling over a new Prince William County bridge that the system's chief called "the crown jewel" of his organization's recent construction projects.

The $26 million, 30-month project was finished earlier this month with the completion of a new crossing over Quantico Creek.

Trains would sometimes be thrown off schedule while waiting for other trains to cross on the old bridge's single track, said Dale Zehner, VRE's chief executive officer. The new bridge, which has two tracks, should eliminate the slowdowns.

The improvement should be especially noticeable on VRE's Fredericksburg line, which goes from Fredericksburg to Union Station in about 90 minutes with stops that include Woodbridge, Springfield and Alexandria.

_{The Virginia Railway Express makes its evening run over the Occoquan River into Prince William County before stopping in Woodbridge on Friday, February 3, 2006. Photo by Jeff Mankie/Examiner.}

"I think you will see our on-time performance improve dramatically," Zehner told the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission on Thursday night. "About 20 percent to 30 percent of our delays are around the single-track bridge."

VRE also is moving forward with plans for a new station in eastern Prince William County. The stop will be built near the Harbor Station development, which is along the bank of the Potomac River.

The developers of Harbor Station are providing a 30-percent match to $2.5 million the state has provided for preliminary work. The project includes a 550-space parking facility. A completion date has not been determined.

jrogalsky@dcexaminer.com

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