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[CNJRoss]

Progressive Railroading,6/5/24

 

Virginia Passenger Rail Authority, NS in talks for new rail agreement

 

The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) is in preliminary discussions with Norfolk Southern Railway to purchase the Class I's Manassas Line and to pursue an option to extend passenger-rail service to the New River Valley on an NS main line (N-Line). 

 

While negotiations are in the early stages, VPRA and NS have established a mutually beneficial framework for both passenger- and freight-rail service, VPRA officials said in a press release.

 

 

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Related:  Group calls for Amtrak passenger service extension to New River Velley

[CNJRoss]

WVTF (Virginia's Public Radio), 6/24/24

 

Historic site considered for new proposed location for Christiansburg Amtrak station

 

Not far from U.S. Route 11, Cambria Street has an antique stop, a bookstore, and an electrical supply store. Freight trains pass here regularly. And soon, passengers may be able to ride into Cambria station too.

“There is just huge, huge support and anticipation for this in the New River Valley,” said Larry Hincker, with the New River Valley Passenger Rail Initiative, a group that’s been working for years to bring passenger rail back to this area. They had planned to build a station near the Christiansburg Mall, but that proved too costly. A tunnel needed to be upgraded. Plus, it would have taken the train away from Norfolk Southern’s main line.

“You can’t get to Bristol, you can’t get to Tennessee without being on Norfolk Southern’s main line,” Hincker said.

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