STV, a leading professional services firm that plans, designs and manages infrastructure projects across North America, today announced the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) has selected the firm to lead the design for the South Package of the Long Bridge Project. This project will double rail capacity over the Potomac River between Virginia and Washington, D.C., alleviating congestion caused by the existing two-track Long Bridge. The bridge currently operates at 98% capacity during peak times, supporting nearly 80 CSX Transportation (CSXT), Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express (VRE) trains daily and millions of passengers annually.

STV is partnering with Trumbull, Fay, S&B USA Construction and Wagman to form the “Long Bridge Rail Partners” design-build team. As lead designer, STV will oversee comprehensive civil, structural, environmental and geotechnical engineering, along with signals, utilities and landscape architectural design.

The $2.3 billion project will add a new two-track railroad bridge parallel to the existing one, doubling capacity and easing congestion between Arlington and D.C. It will also create a bicycle and pedestrian bridge connecting Arlington’s Long Bridge Park and the Mount Vernon Trail to East and West Potomac Parks in D.C. Additional improvements along the 1.8-mile corridor include upgrades to five other bridges and related railroad infrastructure.

The project is divided into two construction contracts:

1. The South Package, focused on the Virginia side, includes the new rail and bicycle-pedestrian bridges over the Potomac River, with construction scheduled to begin in 2025.

2. The North Package, covering the D.C. portion of the project from East Potomac Park to L’Enfant Plaza, includes several smaller bridges and is already under construction using a progressive design-build approach.

“By enhancing rail capacity and creating safer, more accessible options for bicyclists and pedestrians, the Long Bridge Project represents a forward-thinking investment in the region’s infrastructure, connectivity and economy,” said Fred Parkinson, PE, SE, DBIA, ENV SP, vice president and design manager at STV. “We’re honored to partner with VPRA on this transformative project that will alleviate rail congestion while also fostering stronger connections between communities in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.”

STV has a strong and enduring presence in the Mid-Atlantic region, with offices in Washington, D.C., Fairfax, Richmond and Virginia Beach, among others. The firm has partnered with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) on significant infrastructure projects, including the I-581 and Valley View Boulevard Interchange and the Richmond Pulse Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. Recent projects include VRE’s Quantico Station Expansion and Fredericksburg Station Rehabilitation and the preliminary design for VPRA’s New River Valley Project.

Nationwide, STV is recognized as a leader in passenger transit and rail, with extensive experience on CSXT projects such as the Howard Street Tunnel Clearance Program and CSXT Emergency Bridge Repair Program. The firm also excels in the planning, design and construction management of both fixed and movable bridges, including high-profile projects like Boston’s North Station Drawbridge Replacement, Longfellow Bridge Rehabilitation and Fanny Appleton Pedestrian Bridge.