A long-sought trail connection in Lorton may finally be within reach—but trail supporters need to speak up now.
The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) is moving forward with construction of a third railroad track through Lorton, including reconstruction of the railroad bridge over Pohick Creek. This project creates a rare opportunity to provide space for a trail under the new bridge—an essential piece of a future connection between the Lorton VRE station and the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail.
FABB strongly supports incorporating this trail connection into the bridge project. Building the bridge without providing for the trail could squander an opportunity that may not come again for decades.
Why This Connection Matters
The proposed trail would follow Pohick Creek beneath the railroad and ultimately provide a bicycle and pedestrian connection under both the railroad and I-95. It would help connect the Lorton VRE station to the Cross County Trail while filling an important gap in the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.
Without this connection, people traveling between these trail networks face a circuitous route of roughly four miles along sidewalks beside Route 1 and Lorton Road. A direct trail would provide a much safer, more convenient, and more attractive connection for bicyclists, pedestrians, transit users, and nearby communities.
This isn’t a new idea. The connection appears on the Lorton 2040 vision map and in the Fairfax County Active Transportation Plan. It has received support over the years from Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck, the late Congressman Gerry Connolly, Representative Don Beyer, former Fairfax County Board Chairman Sharon Bulova, and former Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation Director Jennifer Mitchell.
After years of delays, construction of the third track means the moment for action has arrived. VPRA should incorporate the trail along its property at Pohick Creek as part of construction of the new railroad bridge. It makes far more sense to accommodate this connection while the bridge is being rebuilt than to try to retrofit it later.
Tell VPRA: Build the Trail Connection
VPRA is accepting public comments through September 23. FABB is asking bicyclists, trail users, and everyone who supports better community connections in Lorton to submit a comment and spread the word.
Your message can be simple:
“I support providing a trail under the new railroad bridge at Pohick Creek, ultimately connecting the Lorton VRE station with the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail. Please incorporate this important community and Potomac Heritage Trail connection into the Lorton Third Track project while the new bridge is being built.”
Submit your comment by September 23 to VPRA here.
VPRA and Virginia Railway Express are also holding a virtual community meeting on September 23 to discuss passenger rail projects in Fairfax County. Trail supporters should attend and make sure VPRA hears that this connection matters to the community. Register for the virtual meeting here.
Finally, please contact Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck and thank him for his strong and longstanding support for this trail connection.
The railroad bridge is going to be rebuilt. Let’s make sure it connects our communities instead of remaining another barrier between them. Speak up by September 23!
