Amtrak has released its modified train schedule, which will be implemented starting Jan. 12 in response to a major construction project on the D.C.-Virginia border.

The Long Bridge construction project, which is expected to run from 2026 to 2030, will close to train traffic between 8 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. each day while construction is active.

Fewer Amtrak trains means future progress as a bevy of projects get underway in Virginia

As a slew of statewide rail projects get underway to speed up and enhance rail, the construction could pose challenges for riders in the coming years.

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For Richmond-to-D.C. commuters, that means significant disruptions to the morning schedule.

Northbound trains from Richmond

The lone Northeast Regional train each morning will leave Richmond on weekdays at 5:58 a.m., allowing it to cross into Washington before the bridge is closed.

Passengers who can't make that train won't have another D.C.-bound option until 11:06 a.m.

Amtrak will offer an express bus service in the morning between Newport News and Washington, but is not currently offering bus service from Richmond.

VRE trains will run as scheduled, but after 8 a.m. their final stop will be Alexandria, instead of D.C.

Southbound trains from Richmond

The first Northeast Regional train of the morning from Union Station, which leaves at 7:20 a.m., will depart as scheduled and cross into Virginia.

The next two southbound trains, at 8:41 and 11:12 a.m., will be canceled during the construction period, before the regular schedule resumes in the afternoon.

Daytime work the only option

D.C. construction laws prohibit work on major projects at night and on Sundays, meaning the work will have to take place during the day.

The Long Bridge is a critical piece of infrastructure, with all trains using it to cross the Potomac River between D.C. and Virginia.

When the project is completed, Amtrak will be able to offer more daily trains between Washington and Virginia.

“We want those passengers to know that we did not take these decisions lightly," VPRA Executive Director DJ Stadtler said in a press release. "We evaluated every possible scenario to limit the disruptions while providing our construction teams with the work window they need to safely complete the project on time and on budget.”

Contact Michael Phillips at mphillips@richmonder.org.