Providence Forge Derailment
On October 25th, more than 50 coal cars and two locomotives derailed and destroyed a bridge across the Chickahominy River between Richmond and Williamsburg, severing the only rail connection.
UPDATE: As of November 6th, an inside source revealed that construction has been completed, allowing rail service to resume. Amtrak should post updates soon
All Amtrak trains to and from Williamsburg were cancelled. Amtrak provided a train replacement bus from Williamsburg Station. Unless Amtrak emails or texts you to cancel your trip, you will be provided alternative transportation. Keep a look out for direct communication.
Train Club will provide updates on construction progress. CSX has a lot of incentive to clean up the mess quickly and rebuild the track. See Amtrak’s twitter for updates.
Didn’t buy tickets in time for break? Check out our guide on getting to and from Williamsburg without Amtrak.
🚨 Service Advisory: Williamsburg & Newport News 🚨
Posted by Amtrak Virginia on Monday, October 27, 2025
Due to a freight train derailment in New Kent, all train service to Williamsburg and Newport News is suspended until further notice.
🚍 Alternate bus transportation has been arranged to connect impacted customers from Williamsburg and Newport News to Richmond.
📲 Amtrak is contacting all affected passengers directly. Please check your email, text messages, or Amtrak app for updates.
We appreciate your patience as we work to safely restore service. 💙
#AmtrakVA #ServiceUpdate #TravelSafe #LoveHowYouGetThere
Latest construction progress: https://youtu.be/PVGCZ35Z7iE
Connecting Trips
The afternoon Amtrak departing Williamsburg now terminates in Philadelphia instead of continuing all the way to Boston.
Be aware that the Amtrak booking page does not display the afternoon train as an option for those traveling past Philadelphia on the weekends. (weekdays work fine for some reason)
You can still make a connecting trip through DC, Baltimore or Philadelphia! Simply book to one of those destination then book separately on a train that continues to your final destination. You should account for possible delays and transfer time and consider buying the Flex Fare or Travel Protection in case you cannot make your close connection.
Long Bridge Construction
Schedules may be affected by work on the Long Bridge across the Potomac connecting all passenger service from Virginia to parts north. All Virginia Amtrak and VRE services that pass through DC will be affected, even if you are getting off before DC.
For Williamsburg probably means even more inconvenient departure times so that trains can get to DC at a even earlier time. We’re lucky that service is at least going to remain at 2 trains a day.
