Franconia-Springfield Rail

The Franconia-Springfield Bypass will cross over two mainline freight tracks so passenger trains will reach the VRE Franconia-Springfield station without delay. Circumventing the current bottleneck with freight traffic will greatly enhance movement of passenger trains along the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac rail corridor.

With 1.4 miles of infrastructure improvements, the project features a 0.6-mile-long two-track rail flyover bypass bridge, with 1,800 linear feet of concrete and steel bridges, newly constructed track, and retaining walls, extensive site grading, and drainage improvements.

The collaborative approach by the client, designer and contractor has resulted in design optimization and construction innovation to deliver economical solutions that minimize rail traffic disruptions. The project also is prioritizing protecting sensitive wetland and wildlife and minimizing community impacts.

Key steps to meeting these goals involves using:

• A sophisticated beam launcher system to erect bridge steel girders
• Extensive logistical planning to haul more than 400,000 cubic yards of earthworks
• Technical expertise to execute dewatering schemes within a confined alignment
• Undercutting to achieve adequate subgrade conditions
• Underground drainage detention systems and jack and bore culverts to enable a streamlined site drainage system