Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin officially announced the start of the highly anticipated New River Valley rail project at a ceremony in Christiansburg. This significant initiative is a critical piece of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority’s (VPRA) goal to expand passenger rail service throughout the state. Once completed, the New River Valley will have passenger rail service again for the first time since 1979.
Reconnection After Decades: New River Valley Gets Passenger Rail
The New River Valley rail project is finally turning a long-standing desire of local residents into reality. The ambitious project will reconnect the New River Valley, which has been without passenger rail service since 1979, to the rail network. This development will significantly increase transportation opportunities in the region and is expected to contribute positively to the regional economy.
Budget and Schedule of the Giant Project
Estimated budget for this groundbreaking project announced by Governor Youngkin 264,5 million dollars Preliminary construction work for the project has quietly begun in late February 2025. Full-scale construction is planned to accelerate this spring and continue at full speed.
Governor Youngkin: “Result of Extensive Cooperation”
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Youngkin thanked everyone who contributed to this important initiative. “This groundbreaking event is the result of extensive collaboration and hard work,” he said. “We have created a plan that restores train service to Virginia’s New River Valley years ahead of schedule,” Governor Youngkin said, emphasizing that the project will be implemented at a lower cost to taxpayers and via a more efficient route.
Key Elements of Virginia Railroad Expansion
The New River Valley rail project includes a series of modernizations that will significantly improve rail infrastructure in the region. This includes a new canopy station platform to be built, existing The parking area will be expanded, to the station Access roads will be improved and available The rail signaling system will be modernized. Additionally, a modern railway station in Radford is being built to support the new passenger train service. Amtrak layover facility will be built.
Amtrak Service Expands: Extending from Roanoke to Christiansburg
The project will extend Amtrak passenger rail service from Roanoke to Christiansburg over the existing Norfolk Southern N-Line. This landmark deal was completed in September 2024 and allowed VPRA to purchase the Manassas Line. This purchase strengthened rail infrastructure in the region by providing easier access to the N-Line.
Virginia's Contribution to the Railroad Network
The expansion of this rail line will not only benefit passenger transportation, but also Norfolk Southern’s freight operations in Virginia. The project is expected to increase rail efficiency throughout the region once it is completed. The New River Valley Passenger Rail Station Authority, established in 2021, will oversee the extensive renovation of the historic Christiansburg station. The renovation, which will be renamed “New River Valley Station,” is expected to begin in 2027.
Future Rail Service: Direct Connection to Washington DC
Amtrak Virginia plans to provide daily service between Christiansburg and the capital, Washington, D.C. two round trips It is aimed to start passenger transport service in 2027. Total on this new line seven stops Estimates are that travel time between Christiansburg and Roanoke is approximately 50 minutes while the journey from Christiansburg to Washington, DC is approximately six hours It is expected to continue. Passengers arriving in Washington, DC will be able to continue their journeys by transferring to major cities such as Philadelphia, New York and Boston via the Northeast Corridor operated by Amtrak. This new rail link will provide a comfortable and environmentally friendly transportation alternative for locals to the capital and other major cities.
