What is becoming some what clearer is how the tracks will work. From WASH Union Station the 2 tracks from there will exit near VA ave tunnel and run on the west side adjaecent to the 2 CSX freight tracks. Those tracks will go thru L’Enfant station, continuing over the new Long Bridge, stopping at the new station at the old Potomac yard, to the Alexandria station. Manansas trains will bear off to the west at AF and the RF&P trains will travel on the three main tracks ( 2,3,4 )
The Franconia bypass function is not clear. However VRE trains appear to switch to / from it. Eventually it appears that somewhere there will be a passenger flyover of the 2 CSX tracks so that the passenger trains will be on the east side of CSX. That way VRE can stop at all their stations that for the most or all are east of the tracks. The present track #2 will be used for the most part. Now not haven’t ridden VRE the plan indicates that eventually track #1 to the east will be built allowing two way traffic. You will notice that all construction of tracks shown on the map is for a track #1 . The one exception shown is a track 4 north of Ashland which is probably a hold out track for CSX freights ? The question remains what will happen to the stations that VRE built on the future track alignment of track #1 ? Guess CSX and VRE will share track #2 for the many years. ?
Will the present platforms become island platforms? Or will some other set up be made. I can see a 2 platform set up made that would allow persons to flat board going to WASH without having to access an island platform, Persons who travel this every day welcomed to post.
It will be interesting to see what is done in Fredericksburg. Currently there is a platform on each track–and you cannot be certain that
Overmod
December 26, 2019, 6:41pm
22
Note that PDN has started a new thread with a much more precise title and thread topic here.
http://cs.trains.com/trn/f/111/t/278914.aspx
VRE gets recommendation to ordering 21 Alstom cars . Will be an add on order of Chicago METRA"s order. Note price over $3.8 M per car ! Car prices really going up. Not a good item for Amtrak orderiing more new cars. Note file dated for tomorrow May 21.
https://www.vre.org/about/board/board-agenda-minutes/2021/May/7f-recommend-execute-contract-new-passenger-railcars-pdf/