Fredericksburg Police tell us:
On November 30, 2024, at approximately 4:25 p.m., the Fredericksburg Police Department E-911 Center received a call about a pedestrian near the train tracks in the 200 block of Lafayette Boulevard. Upon arrival, Fredericksburg Police Officers discovered a male who had been fatally struck by a train. The on-call detective and Amtrak Police were notified and responded to the scene.
The next of kin has been notified. This investigation is ongoing, and no further information will be released at this time.
More as we have it.
Transportation officials held a ribbon cutting for a newly expanded Quantico Station in Virginia with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 1, 2024. The upgraded train station serves Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express customers in the Town of Quantico, now accommodates longer trains, improves accessibility, and adds grade-separated pedestrian access for the adjacent Marine Corps Base Quantico (MCBQ).
Key enhancements include a 550-foot platform extension, a new 840-foot island platform, and three elevator towers connected by pedestrian bridges. STV designed the necessary track improvements and a 714-foot retaining wall to support a third track, minimizing disruptions to MCBQ. This project, part of a long-standing partnership between STV and VRE, reflects collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, Amtrak, and CSX Transportation.
Press release:
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The Virginia Mercury: “The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority has reached a new deal with Norfolk Southern to extend its state-supported Amtrak service to the New River Valley by 2028, while avoiding a costly tunnel upgrade and making it easier to eventually bring service to Bristol.”
“Under the new agreement, which the VPRA’s board of directors approved by a unanimous vote at its meeting in Richmond Tuesday, the state will also purchase Norfolk Southern’s Manassas Line and gain access to the company’s main line, also dubbed the N-Line — a move that is expected to increase passenger rail options for thousands of Virginians.
Ian Ollis, the organization’s director, explained the scope of the project. “It’s one main project that seeks to replace a bridge over the rail line. The reason for that is the need to put a third rail track from Union Station in D.C. down to our region,” Ollis said.
Virginia has purchased 50% of the rail right-of-way, particularly the eastern half, where most stations are located. The third track will be constructed in sections, tying in with the new Long Bridge over the Potomac River. Ollis detailed the project’s progress, noting that it will be built in pieces through Stafford County toward Quantico.
The Leeland Road Bridge will be a key focus, with work anticipated to begin in the fall of 2025. “That bridge is going to be out of action for almost two years,” Ollis stated. During this period, alternative routes will be provided to ensure access to schools and homes.
VDOT regularly conducts traffic counts, and this data will be used to manage the detours and inform the public about available routes during the construction period. “Public participation and engagement will explain the need, duration, and alternative routes available,” Ollis said.
This project is part of a broader effort to enhance passenger rail service in Virginia. In 2019, then-Governor Northam announced an expansion of passenger rail service between Washington, D.C., and Richmond. This project is essential for separating freight and passenger trains, currently sharing tracks at 94% capacity.
Ollis highlighted the expansion’s benefits. “The goal is to double the number of VRE trains and increase Amtrak trains by 50% by 2030. With additional capacity, we can have one train every hour, significantly improving service,” he said.
VRE is already working toward implementing service on Saturdays, a first in the system’s 32-year history.
The expansion aligns with long-term plans for high-speed rail between Virginia and North Carolina. However, funding remains a challenge. “There’s a plan to design a new bridge over the Rappahannock River and potentially build a new train station in Fredericksburg, but this will require more funds beyond the committed $5.5 billion,” Ollis noted.
Addressing the impact on Fredericksburg’s iconic Rappahannock River bridge, Ollis assured that public involvement in the design process would be crucial. “A new bridge might be designed to look identical to the existing one, ensuring it fits the historical landscape,” he said.
Amtrak is launching a sale for travelers looking to avoid Interstate 95 and opt for a trip aboard Auto Train. Through July 31, 2024, customers can book Coach Class for as low as $75, plus the cost of a vehicle. Children ages two through 12 ride free in Coach Class or First Class private rooms.
The cost to transport a vehicle on the Amtrak Auto Train varies based on the type of vehicle. For standard cars, the cost starts at $208. Extended vehicles, such as trucks, vans, and larger SUVs, are priced at $239. Motorcycles can be transported for $146. Additionally, there is a $60 charge for priority offloading, which ensures your vehicle is among the first 30 to be unloaded upon arrival.
Guests traveling in Coach Class have wide, reclining seats with legroom, no middle seat, and a large window. A complimentary continental breakfast is served before arrival.
Travelers can upgrade to a First Class room for extra comfort and privacy. Accommodation options include a Roomette with two seats that convert into beds, or a Bedroom with twice the space of a Roomette, an in-room sink, restroom, and shower. First Class customers receive priority boarding, a dedicated attendant, and complimentary meals onboard.
This offer is valid for sale from May 21, 2024, through July 31, 2024, and for travel from May 24 to September 2, 2024. The discount is available for travel between Lorton, Va., and Sanford, Fla. A three-day advance purchase is required.
The Amtrak Auto Train offers daily, non-stop service between Lorton and Sanford, Fla. (near Orlando). Customers can travel with various types of vehicles, including cars, vans, SUVs, and motorcycles. This train eliminates nearly 900 miles of driving between the Northeast and Florida.
