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L’ENFANT STATION AND FOURTH TRACK IMPROVEMENTS

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VRE Service at L’Enfant Station

L’Enfant is one of VRE’s most active stations, located close to numerous federal agency headquarters and museums, with connections to Metrorail, Metrobus, DC Circulator, and the DC bike network. VRE ridership has been steadily increasing from 2020 COVID-19 pandemic lows. Over the next 10 years VRE service increases are planned as the Transforming Rail in Virginia (TRV) program expands railroad capacity. VRE envisions transforming from a commuter-focused service to all-day service by 2050, including weekday reverse-peak, midday, late-night service, and weekend service for travelers outside of traditional weekday commuting hours.                   

Expanding Access Between Virginia and Washington Union Station

The VRE L’Enfant Station and Fourth Track Improvements Project lies between the Long Bridge Project, which will result in a second rail crossing over the Potomac   River, and Washington Union Station. This section of railroad corridor operates at near capacity during rush hour and is part of a significant rail bottleneck on the East Coast. Adding the fourth track at L’Enfant Station along with the new Long Bridge will help reduce train congestion in the region, improving the on-time performance of VRE trains and enabling increases in VRE service.

 

Cropped___Sized_LEnfant_Station_Improvements_GraphicGoals

  • Expand the VRE L’Enfant Station to give passengers more circulation and waiting space.
  • Add a continuous fourth track between 4th and 12th Streets SW.
  • Provide a center platform able to serve two full-length trains simultaneously.
  • Remain within existing railroad right-of-way wherever possible.
  • Integrate the station with the surrounding community.

Benefits and Features

  • Balances VRE operational needs, the user experience,
    and property impacts.
  • Relieves crowding and supports planned VRE service.
  • Serves two trains at a time, from either direction.
  • Provides stairs and elevators from street level to the station platform at both 6th and 7th Streets SW.
  • Adds rail capacity to address train congestion in Northern Virginia and Washington, DC.

LEF Project: 3D Flythrough