Christiansburg, VA — Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has officially broken ground on the long-awaited New River Valley rail project, a historic development that promises to restore passenger rail service to a region that has been without it since 1979. The project, part of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority’s (VPRA) broader efforts to expand and modernize the state’s rail network, was announced in partnership with Norfolk Southern and Amtrak, according to the railway transport portal Railway Supply.

The groundbreaking marks the culmination of years of planning, negotiation, and collaboration among state and local leaders, rail operators, and community stakeholders.

A $264.5 Million Investment in Virginia’s Future

The project’s budget, totaling $264.5 million, reflects not just the cost of construction but also the scope of the effort to reconnect the New River Valley to the broader Amtrak network. Preliminary construction activities began in late February 2025, focusing on preparatory groundwork, while full-scale construction is set to kick off in the spring, bringing new energy and employment opportunities to the region.

“This groundbreaking is the result of extensive collaboration and hard work,” Governor Youngkin stated during the ceremony. “We’ve created a plan that brings rail service back to Virginia’s New River Valley years ahead of schedule, at a lower cost for taxpayers, and with a more efficient route.”

Youngkin emphasized that the project isn’t just about rebuilding a transportation link—it’s about opening doors to economic growth, workforce mobility, environmental sustainability, and greater connectivity for residents.

Key Features: Stations, Facilities, and Upgrades

The project includes several major components designed to transform rail service in southwest Virginia:

New Christiansburg Station‍

A modern platform with a protective canopy will be constructed, alongside expanded parking lots and upgraded access roads to accommodate increased ridership.

Radford Amtrak Layover Facility‍

This facility will allow trains to be stored and serviced locally, ensuring operational efficiency and reliability for the new line.

Track and Signal Improvements‍

Significant upgrades to Norfolk Southern’s N-Line will support both passenger and freight traffic, improving safety, speed, and capacity across the corridor.

The expansion is underpinned by a September 2024 agreement allowing VPRA to acquire the Manassas Line, thereby unlocking new routing opportunities and strengthening rail infrastructure statewide.

Boosting Regional and Statewide Rail Capacity

The benefits of the New River Valley rail project extend beyond passenger service. By enhancing the N-Line, the project also supports Norfolk Southern’s freight operations, optimizing the movement of goods across the state and improving rail capacity for the broader Mid-Atlantic region.

The New River Valley Passenger Rail Station Authority, formed in 2021, will lead the renovation of the historic Christiansburg rail station. Once restored and renamed New River Valley Station, the facility will blend historical preservation with modern rail amenities. Renovations are set to begin in 2027, aligning with the launch of new passenger service.

Amtrak Service and Expanded Travel Options

Amtrak Virginia plans to roll out service on the new route in 2027, offering two daily roundtrips between Christiansburg and Washington, D.C. The trip will feature seven stops, including Roanoke, with travel times estimated at around 50 minutes between Christiansburg and Roanoke, and about six hours for the entire journey to the nation’s capital.

Once in Washington, passengers will have access to Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor, enabling smooth connections to major East Coast cities like Philadelphia, New York, and Boston.

“This is more than just a rail line—it’s about opportunity,” Governor Youngkin said. “We are bringing people closer to jobs, families, education, and experiences, all while reducing congestion and supporting a cleaner environment.”

Economic, Environmental, and Social Impact

Local officials and economic development leaders predict the project will deliver wide-ranging benefits:

Economic Growth‍

Improved rail service is expected to attract businesses, boost tourism, and support the region’s universities and research centers.

Environmental Sustainability‍

Shifting travelers from cars to trains will reduce highway congestion and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Community Connectivity‍

Residents will gain greater access to employment hubs, cultural events, healthcare services, and educational institutions across the state and beyond.

Virginia’s rail investment fits into a broader national movement toward sustainable transportation infrastructure, as states across the country seek to modernize aging rail systems and provide travelers with cleaner, more efficient options.

Originally reported by Railway Supply.