The RF&P Sub is part of CSX Transportation's eastern seaboard line, and carries freight trains, as well as passenger trains for Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express (VRE). Freight traffic capacity on the subdivision has been improved by the modernization of the Virginia Avenue Tunnel. The tunnel is now double-tracked and has a higher vertical clearance, which allows the use of double-stack freight cars. South of Long Bridge is triple tracked until Franconia Station where it reduces to double track.
Proposed modifications
In 2008 CSX proposed improvements to the RF&P Sub in what would be a public-private partnership, as part of its National Gateway initiative.[4] The improvements would enable use of double-stack cars, and include a modified or rebuilt tunnel, and lowering of track levels at several presently-restricted roadway overpasses.[5]
In 2019, the Commonwealth of Virginia announced that they would purchase track from CSX along the subdivision in order to expand passenger rail service. The acquisition included half of the existing right-of-way and 39 miles of existing 3rd and 4th tracks; this accompanied and cemented existing plans to build a new passenger-only span at Long Bridge, expanding stations along the line, and adding additional passenger-only sidings and tracks. [6] The partial sale was completed in 2021.[7]