(The Free Lance Star posted the following article on its website on September 20.)
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Delays on Virginia Railway Express’ Fredericksburg line have been the norm rather than the exception over the last few months.
It doesn’t appear likely that will change any time soon.
Work on the 35 miles of track between the Fredericksburg and Rippon stations may put trains behind schedule over the next six weeks.
CSX Transportation, which owns the tracks, is replacing 77,000 railroad ties between now and Nov. 2. Work will take place Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights, between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Morning passengers may face delays of a half-hour or more, and minor evening delays are expected when trains must move slowly over new ties.
Also, VRE train 313, which usually leaves Washington’s Union Station at 6:45 p.m., will be canceled Monday through Wednesday. And train 311, which leaves D.C. at 5:55 p.m., will experience half-hour delays because it will run while CSX crews are working.
In June, July and August, VRE trains on the Fredericksburg line were on schedule only about half the time due to heat restrictions, slower-moving freight trains, signal failures and track work.
“This has been a tough summer with delays. However, this track work will go a long way towards a better railroad,” VRE Chief Executive Officer Dale Zehner said in a statement.
“We hope all VRE passengers will bear with us through the next month and a half.”