Passenger Rail Expanding to New River Valley

Montgomery County, VA – Passenger rail will be expanding to the New River Valley by 2025. Governor Ralph Northam announced this week that Virginia has reached an agreement with Norfolk Southern Railway to extend passenger rail service to the region. This will be the first time since 1979 that the NRV will have passenger rail service.

The current service, which stops in Roanoke, will be expanded to Christiansburg in 2025 after Norfolk Southern finishes rail infrastructure improvements. The route will be part of the Amtrak Northeast Corridor service. It will travel between Washington, D.C. and Christiansburg with stops in Alexandria, Burke, Manassas, Culpeper, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and Roanoke.

Passenger rail in the NRV will help make the region more accessible. According to Governor Northam, “Bringing passenger rail service back to the New River Valley will fuel tourism, drive economic growth, and create new opportunities for the region’s 180,000 residents and 40,000 college students.”

Read the full press release about the Western Rail Initiative here.

Learn more about Christiansburg, a town in Virginia’s New River Valley, here.

Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small-town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.