CSX Awards Virginia Rail Project to Fay S&B for Capacity Boost

Fay S&B USA Construction has been awarded a prime contract by CSX to serve as the general contractor for the significant Alexandria Fourth Track Project in Virginia. This ambitious undertaking aims to enhance rail capacity and operational efficiency by constructing six miles of new railroad track and associated infrastructure across Arlington County and the City of Alexandria.

The Alexandria Fourth Track Project is a critical infrastructure development designed to address growing rail congestion and improve service reliability for both passenger and freight operations. The core objective of this project is to create dedicated capacity for passenger trains, thereby alleviating bottlenecks within the existing, heavily utilized rail corridor that connects Northern Virginia with the District of Columbia. By building this new track within the established railroad right-of-way, CSX and its partners are minimizing environmental impact and land acquisition challenges while maximizing operational benefits.

Strategic Impact

This initiative by CSX underscores a strategic commitment to enhancing multimodal transportation networks and facilitating economic growth. The separation of passenger and freight traffic is a long-standing industry goal that leads to increased safety, improved on-time performance for both services, and greater overall network efficiency. For the regional economy, this project promises to unlock greater capacity for the movement of goods and people, supporting business expansion and reducing transit times. The investment in this infrastructure reflects the increasing demand for reliable and high-capacity rail services in the densely populated Mid-Atlantic region.

Operational Details

Fay S&B USA Construction’s comprehensive scope of work encompasses a wide array of construction activities. This includes essential site preparation, the laying of new track, significant excavation, and the construction of a new bridge structure. Additionally, the project involves building crucial retaining walls to manage the terrain, modifying an existing crash wall at Telegraph Road for enhanced safety, and installing reinforced concrete culvert structures and drainage pipe systems to ensure proper water management. A key component of the work will be the construction of a new maintenance-of-way at-grade crossing, specifically designed to facilitate efficient operations for CSX crews. The projected completion timeline for this extensive project is two years.

Industry Context

The Alexandria Fourth Track Project is emblematic of the broader trend within the North American rail industry towards capacity expansion and operational optimization. As freight volumes continue to rise and passenger rail services expand, particularly in high-density corridors, the need for dedicated tracks and advanced infrastructure becomes paramount. Investments like this signal a proactive approach by Class I railroads to anticipate future demand and address current chokepoints, ensuring the long-term viability and competitiveness of rail as a mode of transportation. For industry leaders, this project serves as a case study in effective public-private collaboration and the strategic deployment of capital to achieve significant operational improvements.