These questions and answers have been prepared by the project team based on questions received from the community. Responses are based on information known as of July 2, 2012. This document will be updated in the future as additional questions about the project are received.
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Questions and Answers
Questions and Answers 
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Will FHWA and DDOT coordinate with other agencies throughout the planning, design and construction phases of this project?
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The project team is coordinating with other Federal, regional and city agencies during the NEPA and Section 106 processes and will continue to do so as needed throughout construction; including cooperating and participating agencies, permitting agencies and others with an interest in the project.
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Will potential air quality impacts, including dust during construction, be evaluated before this project begins?
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The air quality impacts of the project will be analyzed in the EIS process. Before the project can begin, the project team will evaluate both the potential short-term, construction-related and long-term operational air quality impacts of the project, as required by National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This evaluation will include an assessment of the area’s ability to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for air quality. Typically, Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSAT) and fine particulate matter measuring less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5) are both evaluated. The EIS will document the potential short-term and construction-related impacts.
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What temporary and permanent alternatives will be considered as part of this project?
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As required by NEPA, this project is considering a reasonable range of alternatives, including a “no-build” alternative. In developing the alternatives for consideration in the EIS, 12 project concepts were developed.
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Did you consider an alternative that routes freight trains through Union Station during construction?
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Yes, Concept 7 called for routing a portion of the freight traffic currently using the Virginia Avenue Tunnel through Union Station.
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Did you consider the National Capital Planning Commission’s (NCPC) alternatives that rerouted freight trains around the District?
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Yes, Concepts 9 and 10 involved constructing the NCPC’s Indian Head and Dahlgren alignments as described in the 2007 Freight Railroad Realignment Feasibility Study, respectively.
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What are alternative temporary routes that CSX considered during the construction phase instead of the temporary trench? Can CSX use tracks past Silver Spring, or around Norfolk or Anacostia River?
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The project considered four concepts using a temporary runaround track/trench within the Virginia Avenue corridor. Concepts 7, 9, 10 and 11 were reroute or diversion options. In Concept 7, alternative temporary routes over existing rail lines were considered.
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Among the concepts presented at the 11.30.2011 public meeting, which of these concepts are feasible (in terms of engineering, costs, environmental/community impacts, construction/duration), and which concepts will be studied in greater detail?
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FHWA and DDOT are concluding their evaluation of the 12 project concepts to determine if they satisfy the purpose and need of the project. Based on this evaluation, four concepts were selected to move forward for detailed study in the EIS, including the No-Build. The three build alternatives that have been selected best meet the project’s purpose and need of correcting deficiencies of the Virginia Avenue Tunnel, addressing freight transportation demand and need for additional capacity, and maintaining freight traffic during construction.
The following four alternatives have been selected to move forward into more detailed study in the EIS including:
- Alternative 1 – No-Build
- Alternative 2 – Temporary South Side Runaround
- Alternative 3 – Permanent Twin Tunnels
- Alternative 4 – Rebuild On-line
Alternative 1 (previously Concept 1), the No-Build, is automatically being carried forward into NEPA environmental review. The tunnel would not be rebuilt under this alternative; however, emergency and unplanned repairs will be required at some point. Existing conditions and ongoing use will require major rehabilitation or replacement of the tunnel in the future.
Alternative 2 (previously Concept 2), the Temporary South Side Runaround, would temporarily route trains in an open trench below street level, south of the existing tunnel. The new tunnel would be built within the existing tunnel envelope using open trench construction.
Alternative 3 (previously Concept 5), the Permanent Twin Tunnels, would involve building one single-track tunnel on the south side of the existing tunnel using open trench construction. The trains would then use that track while the other single track tunnel would be built within the existing tunnel alignment using open trench construction.
Alternative 4 (previously Concept 6), the Rebuild On-line, would involve reconstructing the tunnel using open trench construction along the existing tunnel alignment. This concept would require operating freight trains within the open trench concurrent with the new tunnel construction.
The following concepts have been eliminated from further consideration:
- Concept 3 - Rebuild VAT, Temporary North Side Runaround
- Concept 3A - Rebuild VAT, Permanent Twin Tunnels (New Tunnel on North Side of Existing VAT)
- Concept 4 - Rebuild VAT, Temporary Combination Runaround
- Concept 7 - Rebuild VAT, Temporary Reroute
- Concept 8 - Deep Bore Tunnel
- Concept 9 - NCPC Indian Head Alignment
- Concept 10 - NCPC Dahlgren Alignment
- Concept 11 - Permanent Reroute
These concepts have been eliminated because they would not adequately address the project’s purpose and need. Concepts 3, 3A and 4 would all have constructability issues with the adjacent interstate and would require excessive construction duration. Concept 7 would require additional impacts inside and outside of the corridor while also requiring excessive project duration. Concepts 8 through 11 do not address the tunnel deficiencies, would require additional impacts inside and outside the corridor, would require long construction duration, and are not financially feasible. There are many factors that affect the cost of rail transport that were considered as preliminary estimates were developed; including, but not limited to: engineering, permitting, project management, construction, restoration, maintenance and traffic impacts. The EIS will describe the rationale for carrying alternatives into more detailed study or eliminating concepts from further consideration.
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If a temporary open trench is used during construction, how long would it be in place during construction?
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If a temporary runaround track or trench is used during construction, it may be in operation for approximately 3 to 3 ½ years, including the time that trains will be running in it and the time it will take to build. However, the length of time of construction and the length of the time the trench will be in place will be decided based on the findings of the EIS process. At this time it is a preliminary time estimate.
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How will the Virginia Avenue Park, including the Community Garden, be impacted by this project?
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As the NEPA process advances, potential short-term and long-term impacts to the park will be identified and assessed in the EIS.
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How will the construction phase be communicated to the community?
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We will actively communicate with the community throughout all phases of this project. During the NEPA process, we are communicating with the community through our project website (www.virginiaavenuetunnel.com), and public and small group meetings. As the project moves to construction, we will continue to use these methods, and explore other ways to optimize communication with the community.
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What is the anticipated construction footprint?
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A preliminary construction footprint will be developed for each alternative and will be described, documented and depicted in the environmental document. Direct environmental and community impacts will be evaluated based on the extent of disturbance for each alternative.
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How will the project affect the Barracks Row Main Street revitalization and renovation, and the continued efforts to revitalize Barracks Row south of the freeway?
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CSX remains committed to the Capitol Hill community and will work with the community to protect and enhance the neighborhood both during the construction and following the completion of the tunnel project. As part of the NEPA process, the project team will evaluate potential community effects, including potential effects on Barracks Row, and will share both the potential effects and proposed mitigation efforts with the community.
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What will be the direct economic impacts on local businesses as a result of this project?
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Impacts to local businesses will be evaluated and documented in the Environmental Impact Statement. All access will be maintained during construction and returned to pre-construction or better conditions upon completion; therefore no direct effects are anticipated. The EIS analysis will also focus on impacts during the construction phases, including maintenance of traffic flow and accessibility to the community. Signage will be considered and implemented during construction as appropriate to direct traffic to effected businesses.
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How will this project affect the environment? What additional pollution impacts will result from this project, particularly during construction?
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The NEPA process requires consideration, analysis and full disclosure of all reasonably foreseeable environmental impacts. As the NEPA process continues, and as alternatives are analyzed, potential environmental impacts will be studied and made publicly available for review and comment prior to a final decision being made by the lead federal agency, FHWA. The project team is working to identify potential environmental impacts based on field surveys, direct consultation with agencies, Geographic Information Systems mapping data, property records, aerial photography, and predictive modeling. If potential impacts are identified, the project team will work with appropriate regulatory agencies and the community to avoid, minimize or mitigate those potential impacts.
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How will the soil be contained during construction?
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Sediment and erosion control will be required for areas of disturbance as required by District and Federal regulations. Excavated soils will be properly managed in accordance with regulations.
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What are the plans for removing and disposal/re-use of the excavated dirt from the project?
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When feasible, excavated soils will be reused during construction. If the soils cannot be reused during construction, the excess soils will be recycled or disposed of in accordance with regulations.
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Will the possibility of impacts to drinking water be studied, especially in terms of potential contamination from underground oil tanks and gas pipes, particularly in the area situated between the two military installations?
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No impacts to drinking water are expected, as the study area's source of drinking water does not include groundwater at this location.
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Why is the environmental study for the Virginia Avenue Tunnel project now changing from an EA to an EIS?
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The lead federal agency, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), has changed the classification of the Virginia Avenue Tunnel Reconstruction project under NEPA from an Environmental Assessment (EA) to an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This change is based on the need for FHWA to evaluate all aspects of the project that include interstate approvals, construction and the urban environment with its unique characteristics. In this context, FHWA believes an EIS is the more appropriate process to satisfy NEPA requirements.
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Did you find an issue that caused the change?
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No. The shift to an EIS is based on FHWA’s evaluation of the project scope in the context of its unique characteristics, including the surrounding urban community, not by any new information revealed during the NEPA process to date.
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How will this impact the project schedule and timing?
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Based on the progress to-date, the project team anticipates that the shift to an EIS will add approximately six months to the environmental review process.
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Will the project study and address impacts to environmental justice communities?
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In accordance with Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority and Low-Income Populations, low-income and minority populations will be identified, and an Environmental Justice (EJ) analysis will determine whether there are disproportionately high and adverse human health and environmental effects on these populations associated with the project. Results will be documented in the environmental document.
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What types of hazardous materials are transported through the District on CSX Trains?
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CSX does not carry explosive, toxic by inhalation (TIH), or poisonous by inhalation (PIH) materials through the District. This is consistent with current federal regulations and CSX’s voluntary agreement with the DC government.
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Will subsurface hazardous waste investigations be conducted to determine if the soil is contaminated? Will the community be informed as to the specific hazardous materials, in advance of removal, along with the timetable for removal? What is known about the possible presence of asbestos in the existing tunnel?
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As part of the NEPA study, the construction area will be evaluated for the presence of hazardous waste sites and historical sources of contamination. Research will be conducted on the corridor to identify known environmental sites of concern in proximity to the subject corridor. Based on the results of the investigation, as the design progresses and prior to construction, appropriate subsurface site testing (soil, groundwater) may be conducted as necessary along with a complete hazardous materials survey for asbestos and lead-based paint within the existing tunnel. If hazardous materials are identified on site, the hazardous materials will be properly managed in accordance with regulations.
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Will the health implications of this project be considered and studied?
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Various environmental studies will be conducted during the NEPA process to assess potential hazardous pollutants emitted from mobile sources (i.e., trains, trucks and automobiles) and construction operations. Potential health effects from Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSAT) will be evaluated per FHWA’s Interim Guidance Update on MSATs in NEPA Documents. This guidance applies US EPA-approved air quality models to evaluate pollutant dispersion and effects. The potential for disturbance of contaminants within project area soils will be evaluated early in the study. The assessment will provide a comprehensive survey of reported contaminants. Standard construction specification will include controls of potential contaminants to protect both workers and neighboring communities.
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How will the project consider and assess impacts to those with physical disabilities, such as those in wheelchairs?
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We will ensure access for those with disabilities and others is maintained during construction. During the NEPA study, the project will evaluate and assess impacts related to all access, including local vehicular access, pedestrian/bicycle, access to bus stops and public transportation, and will also assess impacts related to wheelchair accessibility and the needs of others with disabilities.
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How will the project consider and ensure that our homes will be accessible by fire, ambulance, and other emergency service responders in times of emergency?
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A Maintenance of Traffic Plan will be prepared to address motor vehicle and pedestrian use and ensure access to and from homes and properties. The plan will address the accessibility of all homes and identify routes for local emergency services and first responders to support and protect the communities in which they operate.
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What impacts to pedestrian access will result from this project? Will the project impose safety issues to pedestrians and bicyclists?
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Every effort will be made to minimize disruption and impacts to pedestrians, and to maintain pedestrian access during construction, including temporary bridges to span the tunnel corridor. These bridges will include designated travel areas for pedestrians and bicyclists. Pedestrian access and impacts to sidewalks, street crossings and other pedestrian-friendly amenities will be incorporated into the project’s Maintenance of Traffic Plan and will be fully evaluated and documented in the EIS.
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How will public transit services be affected both during and after construction?
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For the bus stops along Virginia Avenue and other locations within the study area, we will evaluate impacts to public transportation during the NEPA process. The Maintenance of Traffic Plan will include temporary re-routing of buses and bus stop locations, if affected. The project team is coordinating with WMATA to ensure there are minimal impacts to public transportation.
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Will any residential homes lose vehicular access to their homes, garages or alley ways during construction of this project?
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Every effort will be made to maintain vehicular access to all homes, including to garages and alley ways during construction.
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How will the aesthetics of the community be addressed during and after construction?
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We understand that community aesthetics are a concern. We are committed to working with the community to minimize the impact of the project during construction and to enhance the neighborhood once construction is finished. The project team will work closely with the community to protect the character of nearby neighborhoods. The specific steps taken will depend upon which alternative is chosen.
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What is the compensation/claims process?
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A key goal of this project is to avoid damage to private property. However, in the unlikely event that such damage does occur, CSX’s General Claims Department will respond to any claim. Contact information and information on the claims process will be available on the project web site.
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What safeguards are in place to ensure email comments will actually be considered during the NEPA Process?
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All comments will be addressed and documented as required by NEPA, prior to issuance of a final decision on the proposed project.
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What are the next steps in the NEPA process?
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We will continue to gather environmental information to assist in the evaluation of alternatives which will be included in the upcoming EIS. Please periodically visit the project website, www.virginiaavenuetunnel.com, for the latest information about the project’s NEPA process, including information on upcoming public meetings and about previous meetings.
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During construction, will CSX consider noise mitigation, such as soundproofing homes and windows and constructing sound and other barriers to noise?
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Noise mitigation will be evaluated and considered as part of the detailed noise impact analysis prepared in accordance with appropriate federal guidelines. The results of the noise analysis and any needed mitigation measures based on this analysis will be included in the EIS.
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What will be the noise impacts from freight operations both during and after construction?
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Potential noise impacts will be evaluated and documented in the EIS in accordance with appropriate federal guidelines. The evaluation will include a comparison of current noise levels to projected noise levels during and after construction. The project will comply with applicable federal guidance on noise impacts.
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Will CSX conduct pre-construction inspection of the buildings closest to the project site to establish a baseline from which to measure potential damage to properties resulting from vibration?
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Yes. CSX is willing to conduct inspections of buildings near the project site prior to construction.
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What measures will be implemented to avoid and/or minimize impacts of vibrations on fragile historic structures?
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The design of the reconstructed Virginia Avenue Tunnel will include measures to minimize the vibration emanating from the railroad track structure as trains pass through the tunnel. If the vibration impact analysis finds that vibration impacts are predicted, additional vibration suppression measures will be incorporated into the design of the new tunnel.
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What is the schedule for completion of the noise and vibration studies, and when will the results of these studies be made available for public review?
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These studies are currently planned for May 2012, and the collected data will be evaluated for each of the concepts being carried forward for more detailed study in the EIS. The results of these, and other environmental analyses, will be made available for public review and comment in the Draft EIS.
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Could a waiver be obtained so that trains would no longer be required to blow their horns before entering and exiting the tunnel?
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CSX is exploring options to waive during construction the long-standing regulatory requirement that trains blow their horn before entering and exiting the Virginia Avenue tunnel.
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How will all the projects being planned or constructed in this area be coordinated to avoid potential conflicting construction plans and schedules?
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We understand that this community is under construction now with much more planned over the next 5-10 years. We are coordinating closely with all appropriate agency representatives and private entities regarding the numerous other projects that are being planned for this area including, but not limited to: the DC Water Combined Sewer Overflow Control projects, the 11th Street Bridge project, the Canal Park project, the South Capitol Street project which includes New Jersey Avenue; the William C. Smith projects between 2nd Street and New Jersey Avenue; the 1333 M Street Projects; 200 I Street; EYA Capitol Quarter projects; Marine Corps CIMP project; Projects by the Architect of the Capitol; the National Community Church Projects between 7th and 8th Streets; DDOT’s Street Car and Bike Projects; Anacostia Watershed Initiative; and the Lower 8th Street Vision Plan.
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What permits will be required for this type of project?
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Several permits and approvals are required for this project, all of which will be obtained at the appropriate time. FHWA, DDOT and the CSX team will coordinate with permitting agencies during the NEPA, design and construction phases of this project to identify and procure necessary permits.
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How will the project address the increased prevalence of pests, rats and other rodents from the earth disturbance and construction of the project?
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As in any urban construction project, we are aware of the possible prevalence of rats and other rodents in this area. During the NEPA process, we will evaluate possible strategies for mitigating any possible pest, rat and rodent problems during construction.
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How will the value of our homes be affected by construction of this project, both during and after construction?
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Home and property values are influenced by a number of factors. Therefore, analyzing the effects of construction on home values during the time of construction is a very complex issue. Because Virginia Avenue SE will be restored at the end of construction, the project may not have any effect (either positive or negative) on long term property values in the general vicinity of Virginia Avenue. The degree to which temporary factors, such as construction on city streets and other neighborhood construction projects, affect short term property values can be subjective and difficult to quantify.
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How will the short term values of the homes in Capitol Quarter be affected by this project? What will happen if an affected resident has to sell a home, and how will we be compensated for decreased home value?
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Home and property values are influenced by a number of factors including: the housing market in general, the local market specifically, as well as the particular needs of the seller and the buyer. The degree to which temporary factors, such as construction on city streets and other neighborhood construction projects, affect short term property values can be subjective and difficult to quantify.
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Will public involvement occur during project review, throughout construction, and for a designated period of time following construction?
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FHWA and DDOT are firmly committed to public involvement and stakeholder coordination, which is encouraged throughout the NEPA process and will continue throughout project development and during and after construction. NEPA requires that the public be well-informed about the project, and comments are directly solicited by the public during the various NEPA comment periods. Public meetings have already begun and will continue to be held during the NEPA process to obtain further public input. Responses to comments will be prepared and documented in the administrative record for the project.
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What are the potential property damage impacts to our homes, particularly related to structural damage, dust, HVAC systems and damage resulting from excessive vibration? How will CSX protect against these types of damages?
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All construction activities will be conducted in accordance with DC construction specifications and requirements. As such, we do not anticipate property damage to adjacent facilities due to construction of the Virginia Avenue tunnel project. We will work closely with our engineering and construction contractors to minimize any potential impacts on adjacent properties.
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How do you plan to address the scope of all people impacted by this project considering the 2010 census did not capture residents in some of the newer residential areas, particularly those living in Capitol Quarters?
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During the NEPA process, the project team will develop an appropriate methodology for evaluating the existing and future residential and community impacts.
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What are the existing and proposed right of way boundaries?
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The existing right of way boundaries for the rail corridor beneath Virginia Avenue SE are being coordinated with DDOT and the DC Surveyors office to determine the exact limits of these boundaries.
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How much additional right of way will be required to construct the temporary tracks?
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Right of way requirements for temporary tracks will not be known until the EIS alternatives are more fully developed. Once the conceptual designs are completed, the EIS will document the extent of additional right of way, if any, needed for each alternative and this information will be communicated to the public. However, at this time the project team remains committed that the project will not require any private property takes.
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What is the process for acquiring additional right of way?
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It is anticipated that there will be no private right of way takes as far as CSX knows at this point. In the event additional right of way is needed for this Project, property owners will be informed of the amount of property and the property interests required (i.e. surface easement, subsurface easement, temporary construction easement, etc.) and offers will be presented based on market valuations and negotiations to conclusion. Coordination with those property owners will begin at the appropriate time during the NEPA process.
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If a runaround trench is used, what public safety measures would be used?
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We are committed to keeping the construction area safe at all times. In order to do so, public safety measures will be evaluated during the NEPA process. Safety measures that will be considered include safety fencing, barricades, signage and lighting. In addition, CSX has also recently dedicated a CSX community police officer specifically to the project and the Capitol Hill community.
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How will construction material(s) be brought to the site and removed from the site to reduce safety hazards?
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The delivery of construction materials will be addressed in the traffic section of the NEPA study. The use of public roads will follow USDOT and DDOT regulations and requirements. The use of rails for material handling of selected components is being studied as well to determine if this might be feasible.
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What, if any, evacuation planning has been considered, should a natural disaster and/or train derailment/accident require it?
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Safety and security are top priorities for CSX. CSX has a track record of working successfully with local emergency officials to develop and implement site-specific security plans. These plans have included such features as: physical access controls, personnel security, procedural security, conveyance tracking and monitoring procedures, information and technology security, and security training and threat awareness. CSX has a good relationship with emergency officials in the District and will continue to work closely with them.
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Will Section 106 Cultural Resource Studies be conducted during the planning/NEPA phase?
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Yes, cultural resource evaluations will be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Section 106 consultation has been initiated, historic resources are being identified, avoidance/minimization measures will be developed, and mitigation measures will be evaluated and coordinated with the consulting parties including the DC Historic Preservation Office and other agencies.
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What security measures are in place in and around the Virginia Avenue Tunnel?
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Safety and security are top priorities for CSX, and all facilities have a security plan in place. The Virginia Avenue Tunnel is protected/secured using a combination of high technology devices that we have been requested to not disclose by law enforcement agencies. CSX has also recently dedicated a CSX police officer specifically to the project and the Capitol Hill community.
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To what extent, if any, does running trains through a temporary trench/track rather than a permanent track raise the security threat?
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The project will not raise the security threat. Security threat is determined by multiple characteristics and the project does not alter threat criteria.
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Does freight rail through the District present a terrorism threat to the Capitol?
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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) works with all modes of transportation to assess and mitigate terrorism threats. CSX works closely with DHS, USDOT and other stakeholders to ensure the safe and secure movement of all freight.
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Who will have access to the tunnel and construction site during construction as well as to the tunnel and entrances after construction, and how is such access controlled?
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Access to the construction site will be closely monitored and controlled for safety and security reasons. The existing security protocols will be modified during construction to accommodate the work cycle. Upon completion of construction the security protocols will be enhanced and returned to the most restrictive measures.
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How will storm water runoff be addressed during construction of this project?
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Storm water management and sediment and erosion control measures will be developed and implemented as the designs progress. Erosion and sediment control and storm water management approvals will be obtained during the design phase and prior to the start of construction. As required by these permits, the contractor will be required to adhere to the approved Erosion and Sediment Control and Stormwater Management plans during the construction phase.
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How will the project impact street trees in this area, and how will impacts be mitigated?
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All street trees have been identified and surveyed, and updates will be conducted throughout the NEPA process. Potential impacts will be evaluated as alternatives are developed and as limits of disturbance are established. Every effort will be made to limit street tree impacts. Appropriate mitigation will be coordinated with agencies, and with input from the community. Impacts and mitigation measures will be documented in the EIS.
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How many freight trains will pass through the Virginia Avenue Tunnel after construction?
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It is difficult to predict the number of trains that will pass through the Virginia Avenue Tunnel after construction given the number of factors that drive freight transportation demand. Over time, demand for freight transportation is expected to increase and taking steps now to modernize the freight rail network to accommodate intermodal containers stacked two-high will allow CSX to handle the expected increase in freight while adding fewer trains to theis corridor than would otherwise be possible.
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How many freight trains pass through the Virginia Avenue Tunnel today?
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Daily train counts are in the range of 12 to 30 trains per day.
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What are your plans for addressing the additional trash that will be generated, particularly with an open trench and open train cars?
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During construction, all waste generated will be properly managed and disposed. The contractor will be responsible for maintaining good housekeeping practices. All product that is transported by rail is conducted in accordance with USDOT regulations.
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What studies are being done to identify utilities in the area, and how do you plan to address utility disruptions during construction?
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The identification of existing utilities has already begun, and will continue throughout the planning and design phases. All water, sewer, gas, communication and electric utilities will be identified, as well as potential conflicts with these utilities. Extensive coordination will be conducted with various utility companies regarding impacts, relocations, and avoidance/minimization of utility disruptions.
