DOT approves CSX’s Virginia Ave. tunnel project

The Federal Highway Administration has completed its environmental and design review for the tunnel modernization, which is aimed at speeding up intermodal trains.    CSX Transportation’s National Gateway initiative received a shot in the arm Tuesday when the Federal Highway Administration approved a preferred construction alternative for the Virginia Avenue Tunnel project in Washington, D.C.
   The National Gateway is an $850 million public-private effort to improve tracks and remove height obstructions on the railroad’s mid-Atlantic network to allow for the more efficient use of double-stack container trains between the Port of Virginia and the Midwest. The first phase of the National Gateway between Chambersburg, Pa., and new intermodal hub in Northwest Ohio was completed last year by notching out the top of several tunnels, replacing tunnels with open clearances in some mountain passes, and replacing old bridges.
   The 110-year-old Virginia Avenue Tunnel is a major bottleneck in the CSX system because the tunnel clearance is only large enough for cars with single containers and because there is only one set of tracks. The CSX line carries freight and passenger trains within several hundred yards of the U.S. Capital.
   The FHWA decision, which follows a three-year environmental review and the gathering of public input in the local neighborhood, allows the company and contractor Clark/Parsons to complete the tunnel’s design and initiate the construction permitting process. After the initial permitting process is complete, utility relocations and other preliminary work will begin. Major construction is expected to begin in the next several months, following receipt of the required permits. 
   Officials involved with the project had expected the agency to issue a record of decision by the end of last year and start construction early this year.
   The FHWA considered three alternative designs for the project. Construction is expected to be completed in 30 to 42 months.
   CSX is countering community concerns by ensuring that trains will always operate in enclosed tunnels when in front of nearby residences. The plan includes significant measures to reduce construction impacts on residences and businesses, including dust, noise and vibration monitoring, and control plans; limited construction hours; and traffic planning. CSX has committed to add more green space, a new bike trail and other improvements to the community as part of the project. It will endeavor to hire local workers and subcontractors.
   The railroad will use a new website, social media, events, briefings and other tools to keep the local community informed about project developments. It has also established an office in the neighborhood to allow visitors to learn more about the project and have their questions answered. 
   CSX services the Virginia International Gateway Terminal in Portsmouth, Va., through an interchange agreement with short-haul carrier Commonwealth Railway. CSX moves cargo to Charlotte and points south on double-stack intermodal trains, but currently can only run trimmed trains to the north.
   Virginia Port Authority officials want to expand rail service at VIG to help alleviate congestion at the port resulting from growing cargo volumes and concentration of cargo delivered by larger vessels.
   Another key chokepoint in CSX’s network is the Howard Ave. tunnel in Baltimore. In August, CSX’s agreement to with the state of Maryland to build an intermodal terminal south of the city so trains can avoid the tunnel fell through, a victim of strong opposition from local residents and businesses. The terminal would have married international containers from CSX’s on-dock yard at the Seagirt Marine Terminal with domestic traffic.