STUDIES & REPORTS

2022 Virginia Statewide Rail Plan

Description

The 2022 Virginia Statewide Rail Plan provides long-term guidance for Virginia’s transportation leadership 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. DRPT develops an updated Statewide Rail Plan every four years per Federal Railroad Administration guidance and in alignment with goals and objectives of VTrans, the Commonwealth’s multimodal transportation plan.

Full Plan

Process

Starting in 2021, DRPT conducted a robust public involvement campaign that included three rounds of virtual public meetings, three surveys, and eight presentations to the Commonwealth Transportation Board’s Rail and Transit Subcommittee.

Outcome

In several chapters, the 2022 Virginia Statewide Rail Plan shows the rail landscape in Virginia, how it has changed in the past few years as a result of investments, as well as opportunities and recommendations for improvement to enhance freight and passenger rail in Virginia.

The Rail Plan is fully digital, and was developed using ArcGIS StoryMaps, web-based application that displays narrative text complimented by interactive maps that allow the reader to explore data at multiple scales to see the big picture and focus on details for their particular area of interest.