Email signup

Fix to lengthen Burke passenger rail platform nears completion

A $5 million project to extend the platform for Virginia Railway Express’ Rolling Road Station is close to opening.

Crews have been finalizing the Burke project that began last year. Improvements include extending the existing 380-foot platform by 290 additional feet, VRE says on a project page.

While train service has continued during the upgrades, passengers must currently move to different cars for getting off longer eight-car trains, making stops there longer.

“The existing platform can handle five rail cars while the new, extended platform will be able to accommodate up to eight rail cars,” Karen Finucan Clarkson, a VRE public affairs administrator, wrote in an email.

The project is also rehabilitating an existing platform, replacing stairs and an existing canopy roof, and upgrading lighting and communications systems.

It should be complete this summer, according to Clarkson. The design follows similar projects that have extended platforms for its Broad Road, Burke Centre, Lorton, and Manassas Park stations.

The statewide commuter rail agency’s push to upgrade stations will continue this summer at a Fredericksburg station, Clarkson wrote.

“We have plans to lengthen the center platform at Alexandria, and platforms at the Brooke and Franconia-Springfield stations,” she said, noting that future projects include Backlick Road, Crystal City, Leeland Road, L’Enfant and Woodbridge.

VRE added longer trains to reflect projected ridership growth, but the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted those patterns. Prior to 2020, the railway averaged 20,000-plus riders, but now, it’s expected to average 8,000 daily riders in the coming fiscal year that starts July 1, InsideNoVa reported.

Meanwhile, staging equipment for the project at the Rolling Road Station will be removed to make way for a planned parking lot expansion.

Fairfax County said last June it plans to expand the free lot from 375 to 413 spaces, among other upgrades, with a $1.9 million project slated to begin this July.

Recent Stories

Local and state police are on the prowl once again for dangerous driving behaviors. The Fairfax County Police Department and Virginia State Police announced yesterday (Monday) that they have launched…

Morning Notes

Annandale House Fire Under Investigation — “Dozens of Fairfax County firefighters responded to a large fire early Monday morning that tore through a house in Annandale, Virginia. Initial 911 calls…

Good Monday evening, Fairfax County. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar. 🕗 News recap The following articles were published earlier…

Chase Bank is seeking Fairfax County’s permission to add a drive-through ATM to its Herndon location. The company has submitted a special exception proposal requesting the ability to operate the…

Are you facing life’s challenges, feeling overwhelmed, or seeking personal growth? Embrace the path to emotional well-being with our expert psychotherapy services!

Why Choose Us?

Our team of compassionate and experienced psychotherapists is here to guide you on your journey to inner peace, self-discovery, and positive change. We provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Spring Mini Sessions Starting in April – Book Now!

📸 Cherish Spring Memories with Your Loved Ones and Furry Friends!

Spring is the season of blossoming flowers and joyful moments shared with family and pets. Embrace the beauty of this time with our Mini Photo Sessions, designed to capture the love you share with your nearest and dearest, including your beloved furry companions.

What to Expect:

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Virginia Psychic Fair 2024

Many of the best psychics, mediums, healers, and readers of all types, along with related arts and crafts vendors from Virginia and the surrounding areas. Besides all types of readings done at tables their will also be related arts, crafts,

The Van Metre 5K Run

Participate in the 32nd Annual Van Metre 5K Run, a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, and every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and

×

Subscribe to our mailing list