CSX Statements on Reconstruction of Virginia Avenue Tunnel

Regarding the proposed legislation, CSX regularly collaborates with DC agencies to ensure they have the information they need to protect the public’s interests, and we will continue to do so. We’re currently evaluating the proposed rail-safety legislation and will provide comments as the DC legislative process moves forward.

Safety is CSX’s highest priority, and we are sensitive to community concerns about the shipment of hazardous materials. In routing hazardous materials through any community, including the District of Columbia, CSX evaluates 27 different factors recommended by the U.S. Department of Transportation to determine the safest, most secure route for any given shipment. Rail transportation is the safest means available for transporting hazardous materials, and CSX is committed to delivering every shipment safely to its intended destination, as evidenced by our investments in maintaining and improving our infrastructure, the extensive training we provide to our employees and the information and assistance we share with public-safety agencies.

-Rob Doolittle, CSX spokesman

“The reconstruction of the Virginia Avenue Tunnel was approved by the Federal and DC governments following a 6-year oversight, review and comment process that included more than 200 public meetings and two City Council hearings. As a result, CSX made substantial modifications to the proposed tunnel design and construction process to reflect community feedback and concerns. The project’s public record includes a 2,639-page environmental impact statement and a 317-page Federal Record of Decision with information about all aspects of the effort, including CSX’s agreements with the District government.

“CSX is committed to doing this project the right way, safely, respecting our neighbors and working closely with residents and businesses to minimize impacts and to ensure that they are informed about construction plans. Modernizing the tunnel will help alleviate freight and passenger rail delays and stimulate economic growth by removing a significant transportation bottleneck.”

-Rob Doolittle, CSX spokesman

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