The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) investigated how much widening of the Bicycle-Pedestrian Bridge component of the Long Bridge Project could be accommodated given the project’s site constraints as well as impacts to the project’s schedule, budget, existing design approvals, permitting, and constructability. While widening from 14-feet to 16-feet will have only minor impacts, widening more than this will greatly impact all of these aspects of the project. Given this, VPRA has a agreed to widen the bridge to 16-feet from the 14-feet that was approved in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)/Record of Decision (ROD).
Widening beyond 16-feet is problematic for the following reasons. The tightest horizontal clearance constraints occur adjacent to the Mount Vernon Trail ramp near the Virginia shoreline and at the Ohio Drive SW landing in East Potomac Park, as these ramps down take up essentially as much space as the bike-ped bridge itself. See the diagram below:
Widening to 16-feet brings the bike-ped bridge ramps on either side of the bridge within 6-feet of the WMATA Yellow Line Bridge Air Rights. We are not allowed to work within this Air Rights space without special accommodations, and the future contractor will need that 6-feet between the Air Rights space and the bike-ped bridge ramps to build the Long Bridge Project.
A few of the impacts if the bridge is widened more than to 16’:
- Significant increase in pier and truss member sizes to accommodate much greater loads, increase impacts to Potomac River bottom and Submerged Aquatic Vegetation areas, affecting permitting and the size of any mitigation projects required to offset this impact;
- Increase in construction cost of up to $20M-$25M, on top of the $5M to widen from 14’ to 16’;
- Major re-work and delay to the engineering schedule;
- Increase in construction schedule of the bridge as substructures and truss members require increased equipment sizes, materials, and durations while reducing workspace to access and construct the bridges between the WMATA Yellow Line Bridge and the bike-ped bridge;
- The need for larger piers and ramps will result in a bulkier superstructure—the opposite effect from what aesthetic design review agencies have requested.
The public has shown great interest in this component of the Long Bridge Project and we greatly appreciate the continued engagement. We look forward to working with all stakeholders as the Long Bridge Project enters its next phase. We will be hosting public meeting in Spring 2023 and as always, members of the public are encouaged to contact us to share their input and ask questions.
NEWS RELEASE
September 1, 2022
Toolkits available with tips on rail safety
RICHMOND — The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) is bringing rail safety to the forefront this month with a public service campaign designed to promote the importance of safety in and around trains, stations, and tracks.
The campaign kicks off today with a Proclamation from Governor Glenn Youngkin recognizing Rail Safety Month in Virginia. In his proclamation, the Governor emphasizes the need for rail safety by noting that Virginia ranks 19th in the nation in the number of miles of rail with 3,000 miles across the Commonwealth.
VPRA will focus on a different aspect of rail safety each week.
Week 1 – September 1st through 10th – Grade Crossing Safety
Week 2 – September 11th through 17th – On Board Passenger Safety
Week 3 – September 18th through 24th – Rail Safety Education
Week 4 – September 25th through 30th – Pedestrian and Driver Safety
With toolkits — available online at vapassengerrailauthority.org/railsafety – VPRA has developed messages and communications tools for use by all Virginians. These kits include everything from safety tips to sample social media and website messaging to sample school announcements, making the campaign ready for use by employers, schools, clubs, churches, and families.
“VPRA is committed to providing safe rail travel across the Commonwealth, not just on board our trains, but also in and around our stations and tracks,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA. “The importance of rail safety is vital to every community as we continue to grow passenger and commuter rail service around the Commonwealth.”
Operation Lifesaver, Inc., a nationally recognized leader in rail safety education is partnering with VPRA on this effort. “Trains can’t stop quickly. It takes a train a mile or more to come to a complete stop,” said Tracey Lamb, Virginia Operation Lifesaver Coordinator, emphasizing the importance of public awareness of rail safety.
In addition to toolkits, VPRA will be hosting rail safety events and promoting other educational opportunities around the Commonwealth.
To reach Virginia teens, VPRA is working with Youth of Virginia Speak Out (YOVASO) on a campaign focused on safe driving habits near railroad tracks. YOVASO is a statewide peer-topeer education and leadership program that promotes young driver and passenger safety.
“YOVASO is excited to partner with VPRA for rail safety month. We are including rail safety education in our Drive for Change campaign that will reach hundreds of schools and youth groups throughout the Commonwealth,” stated Mary King, YOVASO Program Administrator. “Our peer-to-peer approach puts teens in the driver’s seat to educate their classmates about rail and highway safety and influence them to be safer drivers and passengers.”
VPRA’s partnership with YOVASO and their Drive for Change campaign will educate new drivers on the importance of buckling up, slowing down, and staying safe when walking or driving around rail tracks. Participating schools will promote rail safety in September through social media, school-wide announcements, and peer advocacy. Students are encouraged to submit a Rail Safety tagline to VPRA. The winning tagline will be the theme for 2023 Rail Safety Month and be featured in Amtrak Virginia advertising. Learn more about the Drive for Change Campaign here: Drive for Change Campaign – YOVASO
About Virginia Passenger Rail Authority
The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority was established in 2020 to promote, sustain, and expand the availability of passenger and commuter rail service in the Commonwealth. VPRA is committed to delivering passenger rail service as an integrated, affordable, and convenient travel option and plays a critical role in mitigating current and future traffic congestion on Virginia’s highways, promoting economic development, and connecting communities by increasing passenger rail capacity, services, and ridership.
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NEWS RELEASE
August 30, 2022
State-supported trains see nearly 30 percent increase
RICHMOND — The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) and Amtrak announced today that ridership on its state-supported trains hit an all-time high in July with more than 110,000 passengers traveling. This is an increase of 28.9 percent over June of 2022 and an increase of 19.8 percent over pre-pandemic ridership in July of 2019.
VPRA launched two new roundtrips in July, one to Roanoke and one to Norfolk, with the resumption of an additional roundtrip to Newport News that had been suspended due to the pandemic. These new roundtrips provided more options for Virginians, and they responded by traveling by train. In July 110,256 passengers traveled on all four state-supported routes. Every route saw an increase in ridership with Newport News topping the list. That route with stops in Alexandria, Woodbridge, Quantico, Fredericksburg, Ashland, Richmond Staples Mill Station, Richmond Main Street Station, Williamsburg, and Newport News carried an additional 10,315 passengers in July compared to June, a 54 percent increase.
The state’s Norfolk route which includes stops in Alexandria, Woodbridge, Quantico, Fredericksburg, Ashland, Richmond Staples Mill Station, Petersburg, and Norfolk, saw the second largest increase from June to July with 40,763 passengers traveling, a 23 percent increase (+7,669). In addition to beating June, this number was also, a 36.5 percent increase over the pre-pandemic July 2019 number of 29,864.
“These numbers make it very clear – Virginians want more passenger rail to be a part of their transportation network,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA. “With the launch of two new roundtrips and the resumption of another, we know that rail works for the Commonwealth and look forward to further expanding service throughout the state.”
“We are encouraged by the ridership growth and enthusiasm customers have in selecting Amtrak’s state-supported Virginia service as an option for travel,” said Ray Lang, Vice President of State Supported Services at Amtrak. “We will continue to strive to give travelers the best experience possible with congestion free, frequent, convenient and reliable service.”
Service to Roanoke saw an increase of 72.1 percent in July as compared to July of last year with 27,374 passengers traveling. This route, which includes stops in Alexandria, Burke Centre, Manassas, Culpeper, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and Roanoke, also beat its pre-pandemic number with a 31.4 percent increase in July 2022 over July 2019.
The Washington, DC to Richmond route, which includes stops in Alexandria, Woodbridge, Quantico, Fredericksburg, Ashland, Richmond Staples Mill Station, and Richmond Main Street Station, continues to perform strongly with ridership of 12,848 passengers in July – an eight percent increase over June and a 26.3 percent increase of July 2019.
July 2022 vs June 2022 Comparison
| Route | July 2022 | June 2022 | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Route 46 Roanoke | 27,374 | 21,564 | +27% |
| Route 47 Newport News | 29,271 | 18,956 | +54% |
| Route 50 Norfolk | 40,763 | 33,094 | +23% |
| Route 51 Richmond | 12,848 | 11,919 | +8% |
July 2022 vs July 2021 Comparison
| Route | July 2022 | July 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Route 46 Roanoke | 27,374 | 15,903 | +72.1% |
| Route 47 Newport News | 29,271 | 27,722 | +5.6% |
| Route 50 Norfolk | 40,763 | 20,938 | +94.7% |
| Route 51 Richmond | 12,848 | *0 | – |
*Service was suspended due to pandemic.
July 2022 vs July 2019 Comparison
| Route | July 2022 | July 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Route 46 Roanoke | 27,374 | 20,831 | +31.4% |
| Route 47 Newport News | 29,271 | 31,172 | -6.1% |
| Route 50 Norfolk | 40,763 | 29,864 | +36.5% |
| Route 51 Richmond | 12,848 | 10,174 | +26.3% |
The Commonwealth of Virginia first launched state-supported passenger rail service in 2009 with one roundtrip between Washington, DC and Lynchburg. Since that time, the state’s service has grown to include stops at 17 stations along four corridors. All four corridors provide service to Washington, DC and points north including Philadelphia, New York, and Boston.
About Virginia Passenger Rail Authority
The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority was established in 2020 to promote, sustain, and expand the availability of passenger and commuter rail service in the Commonwealth. VPRA is committed to delivering passenger rail service as an integrated, affordable, and convenient travel option and plays a critical role in mitigating current and future traffic congestion on Virginia’s highways, promoting economic development, and connecting communities by increasing passenger rail capacity, services, and ridership.
About Amtrak®
For 50 years, Amtrak has connected America and transformed transportation by modernizing train travel and building for the future. Amtrak will continue to play an important role in the national transportation network for the next 50 years and beyond by operating a safe, environmentally efficient and fiscally responsible business by providing travelers with an experience that sets a new standard. Book travel, check train status, access your eTicket and more through the Amtrak app. Learn more at Amtrak.com and connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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NEWS RELEASE
August 11, 2022
Will fund bicycle and pedestrian bridge across the Potomac River
RICHMOND — The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) has been awarded a grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) in support of its Long Bridge Bicycle and Pedestrian Crossing Project. The $20 million grant comes from the USDOT’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant Program.
The Long Bridge Bicycle and Pedestrian Crossing Project is a new, dedicated bicycle and pedestrian bridge that will span the Potomac River between Washington, DC and Arlington, Va. The bridge will connect Long Bridge Park and the Mount Vernon Trail in Arlington to the East and West Potomac Parks in Washington, DC. It will provide a substantially wider connection across the Potomac River for non-motorized traffic.
“VPRA’s Long Bridge project is designed to not only relieve congestion along the rail corridor across the Potomac, but to also provide an additional route for pedestrians and bicyclists to travel across the river that is also safe, direct, and a more pleasant experience,” said Michael McLaughlin, Chief Operating Officer of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority. “This RAISE grant will further our efforts to make that a reality.”
The new bridge will be built as a part of VPRA’s larger Long Bridge Project, a $2 billion rail project designed to eliminate the bottleneck currently facing rail traffic crossing the Potomac. The Long Bridge Bicycle and Pedestrian Crossing Project will consist of a 2,300-foot long structure dedicated to walking and bicycling across the Potomac. It will cross the Potomac between the existing Long Bridge and the WMATA Metrorail Yellow Line bridge. The project’s current estimated cost is $88 million.
About Virginia Passenger Rail Authority
The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority was established in 2020 to promote, sustain, and expand the availability of passenger and commuter rail service in the Commonwealth. VPRA is committed to delivering passenger rail service as an integrated, affordable, and convenient travel option and plays a critical role in mitigating current and future traffic congestion on Virginia’s highways, promoting economic development, and connecting communities by increasing passenger rail capacity, services, and ridership.
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NEWS RELEASE
July 12, 2022
Event hosted at Norfolk Station
RICHMOND & WASHINGTON, DC — The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) and Amtrak today hosted an event to celebrate the launch of a third roundtrip between Norfolk and Washington, DC.
The new frequencies both depart mid-afternoon, arriving at their destinations in the early evening. The new northbound departs Norfolk at 1:00pm and arrives in Washington at 5:37pm. The new southbound departs Washington at 12:05pm and arrives in Norfolk at 4:47pm. After departing Norfolk, the Amtrak Northeast Regional service makes stops at Petersburg, Richmond, Ashland, Fredericksburg, Quantico, Woodbridge, and Alexandria before arriving in Washington.
In addition to the Norfolk service, VPRA and Amtrak are also resuming a roundtrip frequency between Newport News and Washington that had been suspended due to the pandemic.
“More than 154,000 passengers have traveled on the Norfolk service so far this fiscal year,” said DJ Stadtler, executive director of VPRA. “With the addition of a frequency to Norfolk and the resumption of another roundtrip to Newport News, Virginians now have even more rail options when traveling from the Hampton Roads region to points north, including Washington, Philadelphia, New York, and even Boston.”
“Amtrak is proud to partner with Virginia to bring more passenger rail service to Norfolk and mark another significant milestone in the growth of passenger rail in the Commonwealth,” Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner said. “Additional train service in this region is a vital and attractive alternative for students, business and leisure travelers, residents and the military bound for Washington, D.C., and points north.”
“CSX is proud of our long-term partnership with the Commonwealth and Amtrak to enhance passenger and freight rail service across Virginia,” said Randy Marcus, director of state relations for CSX. “This is the latest example of how collaborative partnerships can improve service for all rail users and ease congestion in Virginia while strengthening the local, state and regional economy.”
“This new roundtrip between Norfolk and the nation’s capital is another step in our historic Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative,” said Virginia Secretary of Transportation Sheppard “Shep” Miller III. “Watching rail ridership grow on our state-supported trains, it is evident that Virginians see rail as a viable transportation option. This new service will provide a valuable mid-day option and will provide long-term economic benefits for every community served. I thank our partners at VPRA, CSX, and Amtrak for their efforts to improve rail service in the Commonwealth.”
“As the nation’s largest intercity passenger rail service, Amtrak is a valuable partner to the Commonwealth in accomplishing its mission of connecting Virginians and communities and expanding its multimodal services,” said Jennifer DeBruhl, Director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and Chair of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority Board. “Working together with CSX to enhance operations along this corridor, Virginia is moving forward on its pursuit of improving the freight and passenger rail networks to help relieve congestion, save lives, improve air quality, and grow the economy.”
“I want to thank Amtrak for their commitment to providing the third roundtrip train from Norfolk to Washington, D.C. to meet the increasing demand for passenger rail service in the region,” said Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander. “This important connection adds additional options for our residents and businesses and is in line with Norfolk’s goal of being the most multi-model city in the Commonwealth.”
In April and May of 2022, ridership on the Norfolk Route surpassed the record ridership in the same months in 2019. Comparing year-to-date ridership for the month of April with that of pre-pandemic numbers, the Norfolk service is up 14.5% with 26,195 passengers traveling in April of 2022 compared to 22,874 in April of 2019. In May those numbers grew even more with 28,052 passengers traveling in May of 2022 versus 22,045 in May of 2019, a 27.2% increase in ridership.
Tickets for all of the new frequencies are now available for purchase on Amtrak.com, Amtrak mobile apps, or by calling 800-USA-Rail.
About Virginia Passenger Rail Authority
The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority was established in 2020 to promote, sustain, and expand the availability of passenger and commuter rail service in the Commonwealth. VPRA is committed to delivering passenger rail service as an integrated, affordable, and convenient travel option and plays a critical role in mitigating current and future traffic congestion on Virginia’s highways, promoting economic development, and connecting communities by increasing passenger rail capacity, services, and ridership.
About Amtrak®
For 50 years, Amtrak has connected America and transformed transportation by modernizing train travel and building for the future. Amtrak will continue to play an important role in the national transportation network for the next 50 years and beyond by operating a safe, environmentally efficient and fiscally responsible business by providing travelers with an experience that sets a new standard. Book travel, check train status, access your eTicket and more through the Amtrak app. Learn more at Amtrak.com and connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
NEWS RELEASE
July 11, 2022
Events held at the Alexandria and Roanoke Stations
July 11, 2022 RICHMOND & WASHINGTON, DC – The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) and Amtrak today celebrated the start of a new daily roundtrip between Washington, DC and Roanoke with events in Alexandria and Roanoke.
With this new frequency Virginians now have two roundtrips to choose from when traveling between Virginia’s Blue Ridge and the nation’s capital. The new roundtrip departs Washington at 8:05am, arriving in Roanoke at 1:00pm. The return trip departs Roanoke at 4:30pm and arrives in Washington at 9:28pm. The service includes stops in Alexandria, Manassas, Culpeper, Charlottesville, and Lynchburg.
“With a 7.8% increase in ridership on the Roanoke route in May compared to May of last year, it’s clear that Virginians in the Blue Ridge region value rail as a transportation option,” said DJ Stadtler, executive director of VPRA. “This second roundtrip will provide more flexibility for those traveling to and from Washington and points north, including Philadelphia, New York, and even Boston.”
“Amtrak is proud to partner with Virginia to bring more service to this mountain city and mark another significant milestone in the growth of passenger rail in the Commonwealth,” Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner said. “Traveling by train is an attractive option for residents who want to venture out on our national network and for people who want to visit the area and explore a vibrant downtown, outdoor amenities and endless trails.”
“Together, we have reached an agreement that expands access for passengers and preserves an important link in the supply chain for businesses that rely on freight rail,” NS Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Mike McClellan said. “The partnership of our government leaders was critical to making this plan a reality and we appreciate their commitment to the people and economy of Virginia’s Blue Ridge.”
“I commend VPRA, Norfolk Southern, and Amtrak on their diligent work to launch this additional roundtrip to Roanoke, at a time when travelers need it the most,” said Virginia Secretary of Transportation Sheppard “Shep” Miller III. “As traffic in the Commonwealth continues to grow, it’s clear that we need smart options to meet the transportation needs of all Virginians. By increasing rail service to and from the Blue Ridge, we are providing another option and making travel through the Commonwealth easier and more cost-effective.”
“As the nation’s largest intercity passenger rail service, Amtrak is a valuable partner to the Commonwealth in accomplishing its mission of connecting Virginians and communities and expanding its multimodal services,” said Jennifer DeBruhl, Director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and Chair of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority Board. “Working together with Norfolk Southern to enhance operations along this corridor, Virginia is moving forward on its pursuit of improving the freight and passenger rail networks to help relieve congestion, save lives, improve air quality, and grow the economy.”
“We are excited to see a second roundtrip passenger rail service added to the City of Roanoke!” said Sherman P. Lea, Sr., Mayor of Roanoke. “It is important that we are able to offer a convenient and affordable travel option to our city residents and surrounding communities and encouraging to see the increased ridership in Roanoke.”
The Western Rail Agreement, which made this new roundtrip possible, was signed by VPRA and Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE:NSC) late last month. With this agreement, the Commonwealth acquired approximately 28 miles of Norfolk Southern-owned “V-line” right-ofway from Christiansburg to the Salem Crossovers including the passenger easement between Salem Crossovers and the Roanoke station platform. Future plans include the expansion of service into the New River Valley.
Rail service returned to Roanoke in 2017 when Amtrak’s Northeast Regional service was extended from Lynchburg to Roanoke. Since that time more than 210,000 passengers have traveled to and from the Star City of the South on the train. In April and May of 2022 ridership on the Roanoke Route surpassed the record ridership of the same months in 2019. April saw an increase of 3,3% with 19,605 passengers traveling in April of 2022 compared to 18,984 in April of 2022. In May of 2022 21,059 passengers traveled versus 19,535 in May of 2019, a 7.8% increase.
Tickets are now available for purchase on Amtrak.com, Amtrak mobile apps, or by calling 800- USA-Rail.
About Virginia Passenger Rail Authority
The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority was established in 2020 to promote, sustain, and expand the availability of passenger and commuter rail service in the Commonwealth. VPRA is committed to delivering passenger rail service as an integrated, affordable, and convenient travel option and plays a critical role in mitigating current and future traffic congestion on Virginia’s highways, promoting economic development, and connecting communities by increasing passenger rail capacity, services, and ridership.
About Amtrak®
For 50 years, Amtrak has connected America and transformed transportation by modernizing train travel and building for the future. Amtrak will continue to play an important role in the national transportation network for the next 50 years and beyond by operating a safe, environmentally efficient and fiscally responsible business by providing travelers with an experience that sets a new standard. Book travel, check train status, access your eTicket and more through the Amtrak app. Learn more at Amtrak.com and connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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Contact:
Karina Romero, VPRA
804-401-7912
Kimberly Woods, Amtrak
202-906-3860
NEWS RELEASE
June 30, 2022
Will Expand Passenger Rail to Virginia’s Blue Ridge
June 30, 2022 RICHMOND & ATLANTA— The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) and Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) today announced the financial closing of the Western Rail Initiative Agreement which will expand passenger rail service from Washington, DC to Roanoke, Va. and to the New River Valley.
The first step in the expansion is the addition of a second Commonwealth-supported roundtrip train between Roanoke and Washington, DC which will launch on July 11, 2022. This roundtrip further connects Virginia’s Blue Ridge with Northern Virginia and points along the Northeast Corridor including New York and Boston. The agreement also includes the future extension of the Roanoke service to the New River Valley with the construction of a new station as well as track and signal improvements.
“The closing of the Western Rail Agreement is great news for Virginians as this is a big step forward in our mission to expand passenger rail to the New River Valley,” said DJ Stadtler, executive director of VPRA. “Communities along the Interstate 81 and Route 29 corridors will now have more passenger rail options when traveling to and from our nation’s capital and beyond, and the improvements will also increase our economic opportunities by enhancing freight rail service through the Commonwealth. We thank our partners at Norfolk Southern for helping us make this a reality.”
“Today’s closing marks the future of rail in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Together, we have reached an agreement that expands access for passengers and preserves an important link in the supply chain for businesses that rely on freight rail to ship base materials and finished products. The partnership of our government leaders was critical to making this plan a reality and we appreciate their commitment to the people and economy of Virginia’s Blue Ridge,” said Norfolk Southern Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Mike McClellan.
With this agreement the Commonwealth, will acquire approximately 28 miles of Norfolk Southern-owned “V-line” right-of-way including existing tracks from Christiansburg to the Salem Crossovers plus the passenger easement between Salem Crossovers and the Roanoke station platform. The Commonwealth’s plans also include rail infrastructure improvements between Manassas and the New River Valley for more frequent and reliable service.
The extension of passenger rail to Virginia’s Blue Ridge began in 2009 with service to Lynchburg which saw ridership triple what had been predicted in just its first year. In 2017 the service was extended to Roanoke and ridership continued to grow with more than 220,000 passengers traveling in FFY2019 (pre-pandemic). In April and May of 2022 ridership on the Roanoke Route surpassed the record ridership of the same months in 2019.
The new Washington, DC to Roanoke roundtrip will make stops at Alexandria, Manassas, Culpeper, Charlottesville, and Lynchburg. The agreement also calls for a potential future station at Bedford. The new service is expected to add approximately 80,000 passengers in the first year once it is extended into the New River Valley.
About Virginia Passenger Rail Authority
The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority was established in 2020 to promote, sustain, and expand the availability of passenger and commuter rail service in the Commonwealth. VPRA is committed to delivering passenger rail service as an integrated, affordable, and convenient travel option and plays a critical role in mitigating current and future traffic congestion on Virginia’s highways, promoting economic development, and connecting communities by increasing passenger rail capacity, services, and ridership.
About Norfolk Southern
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies, moving the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Norfolk Southern connects customers to markets and communities to economic opportunity, with safe, reliable, and sustainable shipping solutions. The company’s service area includes 22 states and the District of Columbia, every major container port in the eastern United States, and a majority of the U.S. population and manufacturing base.
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NEWS RELEASE – June 7, 2022
Photo Courtesy of Christopher Ziemnowicz
Will make station ADA-compliant
RICHMOND— The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) is pleased to announce that it was recently awarded a $6.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to make upgrades to Petersburg’s Ettrick train station located in Chesterfield County, Virginia.
The grant, part of the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grants program, will fund substantial enhancements to the passenger experience including improvements to the station building, parking, and lighting.
ADA accessibility will be improved from the parking lot to the station and from the station to the platform and trains.A new 850-foot platform will be constructed to provide passengers with safe access to trains. Other projects include the replacement of the canopy over the platform, a new wheelchair lift enclosure, and a covered walkway. Inside the station, projects include a new ticket window, lighting repairs, and new restroom doors. All interior and exterior signage will also be replaced.
“At VPRA, our mission is to increase the quality of rail services for all passengers to make us a reliable transportation option for all, including those with physical impairments,” said DJ Stadtler, executive director of VPRA. “We have worked closely with the FRA and Amtrak to make plans for Ettrick Station that will utilize our grant money to offer additional accommodations, truly enhancing Virginian’s lives and travel options.”
“It is a great day for the community of Ettrick. The improvements to the train station will enhance the area while we work to increase future ridership,” said Kevin Carroll, Chesterfield Board of Supervisor for Matoaca District. “We appreciate the support of our federal delegation to see these additional monies come to Chesterfield and help improve an important transportation asset in our community.”
The total budget for all station upgrades is $10.6 million with $6.4 million coming from the CRISI grant and the remaining funding to be provided by VPRA. Current plans call for construction to begin in 2024 and continue through 2025. When complete, the upgrades are expected to attract 10,050 new passengers to the Petersburg station.
The Ettrick Station serves 30,000 passengers per year with six roundtrips trains daily. Two roundtrips are Virginia-sponsored service with a third roundtrip scheduled to begin this summer. Petersburg provides a link to Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor with service to Richmond, Washington, DC and points north including New York City and Boston. It also connects to the Southeast Rail Corridor and planned improvements to the Ettrick platform will allow for the future installation of a third track to accommodate potential additional frequencies between Richmond to Raleigh.
VPRA is working throughout the Commonwealth to improve and expand the rail options available to Virginians. Currently the state supports Amtrak service to Richmond, Roanoke, Norfolk, and Newport News. Ridership on these services was up 26.7 percent in April 2022, compared to March with a total of 70,433 passengers traveling. Ridership on the Norfolk routes, which stop in Petersburg, exceeded April 2019 (pre-pandemic) levels.
About Virginia Passenger Rail Authority
The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority was established in 2020 to promote, sustain, and expand the availability of passenger and commuter rail service in the Commonwealth. VPRA is committed to delivering passenger rail service as an integrated, affordable, and convenient travel option and plays a critical role in mitigating current and future traffic congestion on Virginia’s highways, promoting economic development, and connecting communities by increasing passenger rail capacity, services, and ridership.
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NEWS RELEASE
June 2, 2022
Part of the federally designated Southeast Rail Corridor
RICHMOND – The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) today announced that they have been awarded a $58 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) in support of the states’ Raleigh to Richmond (R2R) Corridor Infrastructure Engineering & Safety Program.
The R2R program is a joint venture between VPRA and NCDOT to improve the rail corridor between Raleigh and Richmond to support additional service frequencies and reduce travel times between the two cities by more than an hour. To do this, portions of the S-line, a railroad section that provides a vital link between the two cities, must be updated through infrastructure rehabilitation and construction. The grant is a vital step in this process.
As a part of the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grants program, the $58 million grant will fund preliminary planning and engineering design for the approximately 162 miles of the S-Line between Raleigh and Richmond.
“This is an exciting and historic collaboration between the Commonwealth of Virginia and North Carolina, solidifying a critical link in the Southeast Rail Corridor. USDOT’s investment is an incredible first step to connecting our capital cities to each other and to the rest of the East Coast,” said Governor of Virginia Glenn Youngkin.
“This grant brings us one step closer to providing trains from Richmond to Raleigh that are competitive with the time that it takes to make the drive down I-85 and I-95,” said W. Sheppard Miller III, Virginia Secretary of Transportation. “This is a game-changing project that Virginia has already shown its commitment to through the purchase of 75 miles of the S-line from CSX. The benefits of this project will be felt across other parts of the Commonwealth as well with the improvements creating access for Norfolk trains directly into Main Street Station in Richmond, allowing for one-seat rides from downtown Norfolk to downtown Richmond on three roundtrips a day. This summer, the third Norfolk train will come into service, as well as a second train to Roanoke. The station enhancements at the Ettrick Station in Petersburg will create a more welcoming environment for increased trains and passengers using that station along the R2R corridor. This is big news as we advance the Transforming Rail in Virginia initiatives.”
“This historic funding is a critical development in our partnership with Virginia and North Carolina to upgrade infrastructure and expand passenger rail. Establishing an intercity corridor between Raleigh and Richmond will generate opportunities for fast, frequent, reliable, and equitable train service,” Amtrak Vice President Ray Lang said. “We will continue working with our partners to expand passenger rail that will provide more service to more passengers, relieve congestion, protect the environment, and enhance mobility.”
“This funding is a vital step in the development of the Southeast Corridor,” said DJ Stadtler, executive director of VPRA. “Providing safe, reliable, and convenient rail service between Richmond and Raleigh, for passengers and freight, will benefit both states through economic development, job growth, and increased transportation alternatives.”
In preparation for the service, the Commonwealth of Virginia purchased 75 miles of the S-line between Petersburg, VA, and Ridgeway, NC, from CSX Transportation (CSXT) in 2020 as part of its Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative. Through this initiative, the Commonwealth is investing $3.7 billion to improve and increase rail service throughout the state to provide alternatives for moving people and goods through Virginia. This agreement also gave NCDOT the ability to purchase the section of the S-Line between Raleigh and Ridgeway.
VPRA is working throughout the Commonwealth to expand the rail options available to Virginians. Currently the state supports Amtrak service to Richmond, Roanoke, Norfolk, and Newport News. Ridership on these services was up 26.7 percent in April, compared to March with a total of 70,433 passengers traveling. Ridership on the Roanoke and Norfolk routes exceeded April 2019 (pre-pandemic) levels.
About Virginia Passenger Rail Authority
The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority was established in 2020 to promote, sustain, and expand the availability of passenger and commuter rail service in the Commonwealth. VPRA is committed to delivering passenger rail service as an integrated, affordable, and convenient travel option and plays a critical role in mitigating current and future traffic congestion on Virginia’s highways, promoting economic development, and connecting communities by increasing passenger rail capacity, services, and ridership.
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Media Contact:
Karina Romero
Communications Manager
804-401-7912
[email protected]
NEWS RELEASE – April 25, 2022
Educating children about train reliability, convenience, connection, and sustainability ~
RICHMOND – Calling all future engineers, conductors, and train enthusiasts! The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) is excited to announce the launch of its new interactive train exhibit at the Children’s Museum of Richmond. The Amtrak Virginia Train exhibit aims to raise the next generation of train travelers through creative exploration and play.
“This interactive Amtrak Virginia Train exhibit is an opportunity to spark interest in train travel for Virginians of all ages,” stated Jen Deci, Virginia Deputy Secretary of Transportation. “As the Commonwealth looks to transform the future of rail in Virginia, developing enthusiasm and exploring the benefits of rail from a young age can foster lifelong travel habits.”
VPRA provides funding for six state-sponsored Amtrak trains throughout the Commonwealth. “Through the Transforming Rail in Virginia Program, VPRA is connecting our communities and increasing economic opportunities through strategic investments in rail. As part of our mission, we are dedicated to educating youth about the reliability, sustainability, and convenience of rail transportation,” stated DJ Stadtler, VPRA Executive Director. VPRA is sponsoring the Amtrak Virginia Train exhibit for the next three years at the Children’s Museum of Richmond’s downtown location. It opens to the public on April 26, 2022.
“At the Children’s Museum of Richmond, learning is in play. We are thrilled to partner with VPRA and Amtrak to bring a beloved theme – trains – to our exhibit experiences! This exhibit deepens our learning capabilities at the Museum in several dimensions and we cannot wait for children and their caregivers to fall in love with this space,” said Danielle Ripperton, Executive Director of the Children’s Museum of Richmond.
This exciting, new exhibit features a child-sized Amtrak train with a control panel, train whistle, and real Amtrak seats. Explore the different locations available in Virginia via train through the ticket booth and interactive map. The train table offers model Amtrak trains, a draw bridge, and a crank and pulley system to help build fine motor skills. The exhibit is rounded out by various STEM activities that cater to the engineering mindset. For the opening ceremony, VPRA hosted a ribbon-cutting event at the museum and welcomed state officials and a local first-grade class.
“This exhibit provides a number of hands-on experiences that allow children to learn, play, and explore train travel,” stated Sarah Huang Spota, Virginia Deputy Secretary of Education.“The variety of interactive features that VPRA, Amtrak, and the Children’s Museum of Richmond have cultivated create a fun opportunity for children to develop an interest in various STEM fields and get a sense of how trains can broaden their horizons within the Commonwealth.”
VPRA worked with experts from Amtrak to create a unique, realistic experience that fosters excitement for train travel. Amtrak has families traveling throughout the Commonwealth covered. For every fare-paying adult train ticket purchased, one child between the ages of 2-12 is eligible to receive a 50% discount on the lowest available adult rail fare on most Amtrak trains. Children under 2, sharing a seat with an adult, ride free.
“This new exhibit will showcase the train environment in a captivating way,” said Jeffrey Mann, Amtrak Senior Director of State Support. “Partnering with Virginia and the Children’s Museum of Richmond offers an interactive and fun experience for children to learn how the train works and the places where it can take you in Virginia and beyond.”
VPRA is committed to helping educate youth about the importance of transportation, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. Many children have never been more than a few miles away from home. Role playing gives them the ability to learn and explore in a controlled environment and provides a glimpse into the real experience.
Come explore the Amtrak Virginia Train Exhibit for yourself. The Children’s Museum of Richmond is open 9:30 am – 5:00 pm, Tuesday-Sunday. Tickets are $9 for children and adults, with special discounts for seniors, military, and SNAP, EBT and WIC recipients.
About Virginia Passenger Rail Authority
The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority was established in 2020 to promote, sustain, and expand the availability of passenger and commuter rail service in the Commonwealth. VPRA is committed to delivering passenger rail service as an integrated, affordable, and convenient travel option and plays a critical role in mitigating current and future traffic congestion on Virginia’s highways, promoting economic development, and connecting communities by increasing passenger rail capacity, services, and ridership.
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