Heavy rail traffic and capacity constraints create congestion for both passenger and freight rail operations through Richmond. As part of DRPT’s efforts to improve passenger and freight rail service in the Commonwealth, the agency is required to complete an Environmental Assessment (EA) to select the preferred route to improve passenger rail service between Richmond and Doswell, Virginia. Additional improvements along the corridor may also be required to accommodate freight rail capacity.
The study evaluation will focus on two routes: the Western Route along the CSX rail line and the Eastern Route along the Buckingham Branch rail line. The Southeast High Speed Rail project has provided analysis of the Western Route, which will be updated for the purposes of this study. Additional information on this route may be found at www.sehsr.org. The Western Route, while included as part of the Southeast High Speed Rail project, requires additional study in order to bring the route to the same level of review as the Eastern Route. Other reference materials are available through the Additional Links on the right side of this page.
Potential improvements under evaluation in the EA include:
Signal and crossing improvements in addition to existing track upgrades and six miles of potential new main line tracks within the existing right-of-way along the Buckingham Branch rail line from Hospital Street in Richmond to Doswell.
Signal and crossing improvements in addition to existing track upgrades within existing right of way between Main St. Station, Staples Mill Station and Doswell, including east mainline evaluation alongside Acca Yard.
A new five acre multimodal transit center along the Buckingham Branch rail line in Hanover County. Three potential site locations will be identified in the study.
Reinstallation of two main line tracks to the east and west along the CSX S and C&O Piedmont line between Main Street Station and AM/Bone Dry Junction.
The addition of eight miles of third main line track within existing right-of-way between Doswell and Fredericksburg.
Evaluation of potential overnight train storage in Newport News for passenger rail trains, including the addition of new tracks within the existing CSX right-of-way.
Additional conceptual design and cost estimation of double track improvements on the entire Buckingham Branch rail line from Doswell to Richmond.
Additional evaluation of track segments to the east of Richmond will be performed for the potential addition of passing sidings within the existing right-of-way at a later date.
DRPT’s focus for this project is to identify important environmental, engineering and other relevant factors to be considered for each of the potential improvements identified above. Additional study and significant funding will be required to advance these initiatives into construction.
Public comments are being accepted on this initiative at drptpr@drpt.virginia.gov or by mail at Public Information Office, DRPT, 1313 E. Main St., Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23219.
