First Street Tunnel & A-Interlocking Upgrades
Program Status
Construction Completed October 26, 2026
Pause for Progress was a temporary outage from October 16–26, 2026 to replace aging track components and improve reliability along the Northeast Corridor and into the Southeast.
Quick Facts
Status
Completed October 26, 2026
Benefits
- Replaces track switches, improves tunnel infrastructure and replaces electrical systems
- Tunnel infrastructure
- Safer, more reliable rail service
- Fewer delays over time
- A stronger, more dependable rail network
Program Partners
U.S. DOT Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Virginia Passenger Rail Association
A-Interlocking is a critical track and control point within the First Street Tunnel below Washington Union Station. This section of track is responsible for routing all Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express (VRE) train movements between Washington Union Station and Virginia. The prior switches and crossovers were beyond their service life, previously requiring a 10-mph speed restriction that impacts operations. These upgrades were designed to address those limitations and will help prevent larger, unplanned service disruptions.
With the project now complete, customers will experience improved safety and reliability, fewer delays and better on-time performance, and infrastructure that will withstand future demand. Amtrak replaced outdated switches and crossovers, rehabilitating the tunnel track base and installing modern electric switch systems.
