Virginia reaches new deal with Norfolk Southern to extend passenger rail to the New River Valley

By: Markus Schmidt - August 27, 2024 3:55 pm


The Amtrak platform in downtown Roanoke. (Wyatt Gordon/For The Virginia Mercury)

The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority has reached a new deal with Norfolk Southern to extend its state-supported Amtrak service to the New River Valley by 2028, while avoiding a costly tunnel upgrade and making it easier to eventually bring service to Bristol.

Under the new agreement, which the VPRA’s board of directors approved by a unanimous vote at its meeting in Richmond Tuesday, the state will also purchase Norfolk Southern’s Manassas Line and gain access to the company’s main line, also dubbed the N-Line — a move that is expected to increase passenger rail options for thousands of Virginians.

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According to VPRA, the agreement with Norfolk Southern would support the expansion of two Amtrak round trips to Christiansburg and provide for a third, operating between Roanoke and Christiansburg, at a lower cost than originally planned.

In addition, the purchase of the Manassas Line allows for an increase of the Virginia Railway Express’ Manassas Line service in the future with additional frequencies including evening and weekend options. The line originates at Union Station in Washington, D.C., and goes to Broad Run in Prince William County.


Passenger service rail currently sponsored by the Virginia Passenger Railway Authority. (Courtesy of the VPRA)

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Markus Schmidt
Markus is an award-winning journalist who covers Virginia politics from the state Capitol in Richmond. His coverage area includes the General Assembly, the executive branch and elections in Virginia.

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