CSX freight train Q41016, bound from Richmond, VA., to Philalphia, Pa., derailed 19 of its cars at 5:45 a.m. today just south of Alexandria near Business Center Drive and Quaker Lane, blocking both main tracks and forcing Amtrak to cancel most service south of Washington, D.C., today. The exception is the Auto Train that departs Lorton, Va., which is south of the derailment. The freight had three locomotives, 57 loads and 39 empties. The derailment started with the 29th car back. No one was injured, and there were 12 hazmat cars in the consist, none were breeched.Amtrak service north of Washington was not affected. Passengers traveling on northbound trains headed for Washington are being bused around the derailment. Regional Virginia service - trains 76,77,84,85,86 and 93 were canceled, as were trains 79 and 80, the Carolinians.
Train 91, the southbound Silver Star, will not operate today between New York City and Richmond, VA., but will originate from Richmond this evening. Train 90, the northbound Palmetto will not operate between New York and Rocky Mount. It will originate from Rocky Mount this afternoon.
Passengers on Train 19, the southbound Crescent scheduled to depart New York City this morning, were transferred to Metroliner 119 to Washington and bused to Manassas, Va., where today's Crescent will originate. Trains departing Miami northbound are operating on schedule.
All Virginia Railway Express commuter operations were also canceled. Federicksburg line VRE trains were offloaded at Franconia/Springfield, and Manassas line trains near Van Dorn Street Metro station. Because of the derailment, Metro was also temporaily shut down in the Alexandria area. VRE said it operated all morning trains to these destinations, however, significant delays were expected. Parts of Metrorail's Blue line were also affected.
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