An AFP contributor has been beating the drum for us lately on improvements to passenger rail in the Shenandoah Valley.
We have some Shenandoah Valley rail news to share today – in the freight sector.
It’s progress.
U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner announced this week that the U.S. Department of Transportation has committed $3.6 million toward projects aimed at improving the safety, reliability, and efficiency of freight rail service for businesses throughout the Shenandoah Valley region.
The funding was awarded through DOT’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, which was expanded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that the senators helped negotiate and pass in 2021.
The funding will support the Shenandoah Valley Rail Improvement Project, which will rehabilitate 20 miles of track in Augusta County and Rockingham County.
Improvements will include replacing railroad ties, installing new ballast, resurfacing tracks, rebuilding switches, and upgrading five at-grade crossings.
The upgrades will enhance safety, improve service reliability, and maintain Federal Railroad Administration Class 2 track standards, allowing for efficient maintenance and rail operations in the future.
More on passenger rail in the Valley
- Weigh in on the Fall 2026 State Rail Plan second phase survey.
- The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete.
ICYMI
- Let the DRPT know you want better rail service in the Shenandoah Valley
- Do you want better rail service in the Shenandoah Valley?
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Chris Graham
