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Study examining future of Potomac River “Long Bridge”
Mr Roeber is incorrect, in that the Quantico bridge was expanded from one track capacity to three track capacity…not two.
Diminished Short term fix:
Following trains need protection to keep them from overtaking their “fearless leader.” Let’s say that when a train clears the bridge, a following train gets a “clear” signal immediately because it’s on gauntlet track across rhe bridge from any of its approaches, either end or departure route. Ain’t no way the gauntlent can route a follower to a collision unless it is a follower on the same line.Slightly enlarged neck of the bottle… but, might help.
The bridge across the Rhine River adjacent to the main Cologne, Germany rail station is six tracks and handles over 1200 trains per day. Granted almost none are mile long freight trains (believe freight is routed to bypass this line) but do wonder how this stacks up ratio wise to the Potomac River 2 track bridge.
They might as well expand the bridge to 4 tracks while they’re at it. Future needs may well require it anyway.
It sort of depends on how you think think of the Quantico bridge expansion. They built a parallel bridge wide-enough for two
more tracks, but only installed one track.
I would expect a similar method used for the Long Bridge
since it minimizes disruption to the operating tracks.
Although, perhaps an old alignment could be resurrected
for a new route through/around DC?
Either way, it’s great to see some $$$ going into rail projects,
it’s crazy to think having 10-lane wide interstates is really the
solution to commuting.
The new Quantico bridge is 2 tracks capable with only one track installed, the old bridge, still in use, is one track.
Easily viewable on Google maps
Re: Stephen’s comment – Given the extensive built-up suburban sprawl all around DC I doubt that there could ever be ROW expansion or another alignment considered other than that which already exists.