DRPT is developing the Statewide Rail Plan to provide a clear vision and strategy to address rail needs in the Commonwealth. The plan, currently in draft form, outlines proposed projects designed to meet the Commonwealth’s goals for the efficient and effective movement of people and goods through passenger and freight rail transportation.
The 2008 Statewide Rail Plan is an update to the 2004 Statewide Rail Plan and builds upon past successes to enhance Virginia’s multimodal transportation corridors. The plan discusses the current state of the Commonwealth’s rail system as well as challenges facing the system today, such as the increasing demand for freight and passenger service, population growth, capacity limits and quality of life issues such as the increase in fuel prices and the decline in air quality.
To address these issues and improve the overall rail system, the Statewide Rail Plan proposes several projects to address rail needs in the Commonwealth.
The projects identified in the plan are arranged into four categories - Class I and Shortline Railroad, Port of Hampton Roads, Passenger Rail initiatives and High- Speed Rail initiatives - and represent $4.9 billion in potential rail investments. The proposed projects will deliver results such as removing approximately 7.3 million cars and trucks from Virginia highways, saving more than 445 million gallons of fuel and saving more than 1.2 million tons of carbon emissions. The Statewide Rail Plan Fact Sheet provides more information on the proposed projects.
Public meetings have been scheduled to provide a time for the public to learn more about the draft Statewide Rail Plan and provide comments for consideration. A schedule of public meetings is provided below. The public comment period will remain open until August 25, 2008.
Richmond Region, July 16, 5:30 p.m.
Virginia Department of Transportation Auditorium
1221 East Broad Street., Richmond, VA 23219
Staunton Region, July 23, 6:00 p.m.
Blue Ridge Community College Plecker Workforce Center Auditorium
One College Lane, Weyers Cave, VA 24486
Roanoke Region, July 24, 6:00 p.m.
Salem Civic Center
1001 Boulevard, Salem VA 24153
Northern Virginia Region, July 29, 7:00 p.m.
Fairfax County Government Center Board Auditorium
12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax VA 22035
Hampton Roads Region, July 30, 6:00 p.m.
Hampton Roads Planning District Commission
723 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23320
Those who cannot attend a public meeting may send comments on the draft plan to:
Public Information Office
Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
1313 E. Main St., Suite 300
Richmond, VA 23219 DRPTPR@DRPT.Virginia.gov
In addition, a Statewide Rail Plan Survey has been created as another tool to gather feedback regarding priority projects for inclusion in the plan and potential policy changes necessary to improve the Commonwealth’s rail system. Please print the survey and mail responses to the address above by August 25, 2008.
Next steps include the review of public comments received during the public comment period and the development of the Rail Action Plan for release in September 2008.
The Rail Action Plan will provide specific funding strategies and more detailed implementation plans for the projects identified in the Statewide Rail Plan. A public comment opportunity will be provided on the Rail Action Plan, and the results will be incorporated into the final Statewide Rail Plan to be published this fall.
