Amtrak completes First Street Tunnel upgrades and restores service south of Washington

Amtrak completed infrastructure upgrades at the First Street Tunnel in Washington, D.C., on schedule, restoring train operations on October 26, 2026. The nine-day Pause for Progress program renewed A-Interlocking, a key rail junction immediately south of Washington Union Station.

Before construction, Amtrak said aging switches and crossovers had exceeded their service life and required a 10-mph restriction. The junction accommodates Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express services between Washington Union Station and Virginia. Confined working space and limited access made a concentrated closure preferable to phased construction, according to the railroad.

Crews installed eight electric switch machines, renewed 1,000 feet of rail and rehabilitated 350 feet of track base. Amtrak reported approximately 13,300 work hours.

Service restoration and project outcomes

With construction complete, the renewed infrastructure has returned to service. Amtrak’s completion announcement does not provide measured journey-time savings or identify a new construction solicitation.

The project combined track and switch renewal within a coordinated service suspension. Its effect on long-term reliability will require assessment using post-construction operating data.

Primary sources: Amtrak completion announcement, October 26, 2026; Amtrak project announcement, August 24, 2026.

Earlier coverage: Amtrak’s planned October tunnel shutdown.