In late October, Amtrak trains running north from Richmond will stop in Alexandria for nine days to allow track replacement work at the First Street Tunnel near Union Station in Washington, D.C.

Beginning after service on Friday, October 16, train service will be suspended between Alexandria and Union Station until Monday morning, October 26.

"The existing switches and crossovers are beyond their service life, requiring a 10-mph speed restriction that impacts operations," Amtrak wrote in a press release. "'Pause for Progress' is designed to address those limitations and help prevent larger, unplanned service disruptions."

The press release said that bus service will be offered to connect passengers between Alexandria and Union Station during that time.

The changes are in addition to the longer-term work taking place on Long Bridge until December 2030, which has cut the number of morning trains between Richmond and Union Station.

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.

The RichmonderBenton Graham

Contact Michael Phillips at mphillips@richmonder.org.