VPA plans major rail relocation project

“The Port of Virginia is one of the Commonwealth’s most important links to the global economy,” said VPA executive director J. Robert Bray. “Continued investment in Virginia’s transportation network, and the infrastructure of the Hampton Roads region in particular, is essential to support its continued growth.”

The Median Rail Project includes the construction of dual rail tracks along the median strip of State Route 164 and Interstate 664. Built in the 1980s, the medians were designed to accommodate a double-stacked rail service. The VPA will be the lead agency overseeing this project, the cost of which is currently estimated at US$60m.

To date, the Commonwealth of Virginia has allocated US$3.36m from its Rail Enhancement Fund for engineering works. Its private partner, Commonwealth Railway, Inc., is providing US$1.44m for the preliminary engineering effort. An additional US$16m in state and federal funding has been identified for construction, but a deficit of at least US$39m remains before construction can be completed.