Virginia Statewide Rail Plan

Description

The Virginia Statewide Rail Plan (VSRP) establishes a vision for the future of passenger and freight rail in Virginia,  

  • Catalogs current rail service and infrastructure, including ridership and freight tonnage 
  • Quantifies the impacts of rail and state investments  
  • Outlines proposed projects for both short-term (6-year) and long-term (20-year) investment horizons 

In 2026, DRPT is updating the current Rail Plan and is seeking feedback to ensure the updated plan reflects the needs and priorities of passengers, freight partners, and communities across the Commonwealth. 

Public and Stakeholder engagement is an essential element of the rail plan process. DRPT’s goal is to ensure that the Commonwealth’s rail needs for people, communities, and commerce are addressed, policies for future rail investments are consistent, the public is educated on current rail issues, and that rail transportation continues to be a safe, economical, and environmentally friendly mode choice.  

The draft schedule for the VSRP update below includes opportunities for engagement, including surveys and public meetings:

Train

Virginia Statewide Rail Plan. Phase 1: Jan-Apr 2026: kickoff and data collection; interviews, data requests, surveys. Phase 2: May-Sept 2026; engagement and analysis; stakeholder meetings & surveys, finalizing draft. Phase 3: Oct-Dec 2026; review and refinement; draft plan to CTB, final public meeting, final plan to CTB. Last stop: Jan 2027; submission to FRA.