Post on 30-Jan-2022
Transforming Virginia by Rail
An Innovative Partnership between Virginia and Amtrak
CORT – September 30, 2021
Transforming Rail in Virginia
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$3.7 billion initiative led by the Commonwealth of Virginia to significantly expand and improve passenger rail on multiple routes in Virginia Virginia to acquire from CSX
~1/2 of the RF&P Corridor, the Buckingham Branch, and the Abandoned S-Line ROW
6-7 new state-supported Amtrak trains to be phased in over 10 years
Amtrak’s Participation 3
Amtrak is contributing $944 million or 30% of the project cost to the initiative
Amtrak and Virginia have committed to fund and operate 6-7 new state supported frequencies between DC and Petersburg and the “S” Line for 30+ years
Amtrak will assume the dispatching responsibilities between Washington Union Station and Alexandria within 10 years and will have the right to dispatch trains south of Alexandria upon completion of future phases
Key Projects 4
Establishing a four-track railroad from Alexandria to L’Enfant via: Long Bridge for
Passenger Rail Alexandria 4th Track
Establishing a three-track railroad from Lorton to Alexandria via: 3rd Track from
Franconia to Springfield Franconia-Springfield
Bypass Six sidings (adjacent third
track)
Service Benefits 5
Service added incrementally:2022 – 1RT Norfolk – 1 RT RoanokePhase 1 – 1RT Richmond, 1 RT Newport NewsPhase 2 – 3 RT Richmond
Sets stage for future investment and improvements between DC and Petersburg and future construction of high-speed rail along the S-Line alignment towards Raleigh NC
NCDOT has ROD for Raleigh to Richmond service at 110 and has secured grant funds to acquire the remainder of the “S” line
Combined with NC’s ownership of ROW between Raleigh and Charlotte, creates the potential for a Boston – Charlotte corridor entirely in public hands
Service Benefits 6
State-Supported Amtrak Services will double 6 12 state-supported daily
roundtrips 1 additional roundtrip to
Norfolk 1 additional roundtrip to
Newport News 4 additional roundtrips to
Richmond Enables near-hourly service
between Washington and Richmond
Virginia’s acquisition of S-Line ROW is a step toward ultimately restoring service that may reduce trip time by over one hour
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Program Management
Team
Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA): Lead State Agency, future owner and developer of passenger rail assets
VRE: Operator of existing and future commuter rail system
Amtrak: Operator of existing and expanded intercity passenger rail
CSX: Freight operator; signatory to agreement with the Commonwealth; constructor for Alexandria 4th Track