Transportation

Virginia’s Long bridge rail project - for passenger trains - is for increasing capacity as Virginia
trains ridership reached a monthly record this July increasing by 14%. The plan was
brought forward a decade ago and creates a two-track span parallel to Long Bridge. It would
support commerce and passenger trains. Virginia said they would Allow MARC Maryland
commuter trains into Virginia. It will cost 2.3 billion dollars, there is a 729 billion dollar budget
deficit gap in the state’s rail program. Virginia’s state rail program is seeking $829 Billion dollars
from two programs to pay for the bridge and other projects in its 7.2-billion-dollar rail program.
The projects are designed to eliminate bottlenecks at the Potomac. I like this project as it fits
multiple purposes.
1. Removing cars off the road which will lessen the need for new roads and decrease traffic
congestion.
2. Enable people without cars access to greater areas of DC, Virginia and Maryland.
3. Increase shipping though the Norfolk port.

However, it will cost $829 million dollars from the federal government.
Without federal funding will be finished as late as 2033 depending on delays.
With federal funding it will be finished in 2030.
Has some placement conflicts.
May need ground strengthening.
Mostly environmental positive, may cause some environmental impacts to the areas the train is
built on.
By eliminating cars and trucks off the road it will eliminate pollution however the trains will cause
noise. I do not know if this area is near houses. These trains are not particularly noisy so it
shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
Economy/commerce positive

Transportation positive
Removing cars of the road and increasing public transportation options. Improving commerce
opportunities at nearby ports.
Long term positive
Budget negative
It will cost 829 billion dollars from the federal budget if approved.