LEAD AGENCY

Virginia Passenger Rail Authority

Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation

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STATUS:

Ongoing

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OVERVIEW

The Transforming Rail in Virginia program will expand and improve passenger, commuter, and freight rail in Virginia and create a vital connection in America’s national rail network between the Northeast and Southeast corridors. Through strategic partnerships, investments, and capital improvements, Transforming Rail in Virginia allows Virginia to nearly double Amtrak state-supported service and increase Virginia Railway Express (VRE) service (including first-time-ever weekend and late-night service) during the next decade.

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In partnership with CSX Transportation (CSXT), Virginia is acquiring 384 miles of CSXT right-of-way and 223 miles of track in rail corridors paralleling I-95, I-64, and I-85. This is approximately:

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• Half of the CSXT-owned railroad right-of-way between Washington, DC, and Petersburg, VA (RF&P)

• All of the CSXT-owned (but out of service) right-of-way between Petersburg, VA, and Ridgeway, NC (S-Line)

• Nearly all of the CSXT-owned right-of-way between Doswell, VA, and Clifton Forge, VA (Buckingham Branch Railroad)

• Track within the right-of-way purchased by Virginia also becomes Virginia property

 

In partnership with Norfolk Southern Railway (NSR) through the Western Rail Initiative, Virginia is acquiring 28.5 miles of the NSR-owned right-of-way (V-Line) from the Salem Crossovers to Christiansburg.

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Over the next 10 years, Virginia is building nearly 50 miles of track and is implementing a series of foundational infrastructure improvements in the corridors to support improved rail reliability and expanded passenger service. In addition to doubling Amtrak state-supported service, extending service to the New River Valley and nearly doubling VRE Fredericksburg Line service, expansion of VRE Manassas Line service is feasible subject to future agreements.

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