Amtrak and VRE closures to last 9 days between DC and Virginia

A major rail closure could disrupt your plans.

Crews are replacing tracks under D.C.’s Union Station, forcing a temporary pause in local service. Here’s what you need to know and how to get around the disruption.

Amtrak and VRE service between D.C. and Virginia will be affected for nine days, starting Friday, Oct. 16. People who take the trains into and out of Union Station from the south will be affected.

Video shows what’s called an interlocking in the 1st Street Tunnel just south of Union Station. It controls train movements between Union Station and Virginia. Amtrak says the system is old and outdated, and trains have to lower their speeds to 10 mph to go through the area, which slows down the system. That track is being replaced.

Amtrak will run shuttle bus service through the area to get people around, but it’s likely to be an inconvenience.

There will be no VRE service to Union Station, with VRE running on a modified schedule. Riders can get to the L’Enfant Plaza station.

Service north of Union Station will not be affected.

When the work is complete, Amtrak says the system will be more reliable, with fewer delays. Service should be back to normal on Oct. 26.

News4 talked with riders.

“Hopefully in the long run, it will mean a safer commute for us all,” one woman said.