On April 24, 2025, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin officially broke ground on a major project that will extend Amtrak passenger rail service to Christiansburg, Virginia, marking the return of passenger rail to Southwest Virginia's New River Valley for the first time in nearly 50 years. The project is set to bring two daily Amtrak trains connecting Washington, D.C. and Christiansburg, beginning in 2027.

This historic development comes on the heels of a 2024 agreement between the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) and Norfolk Southern (NS), the freight railroad company. The agreement granted VPRA the necessary access to extend service to Christiansburg, a city currently without passenger rail service since 1979.

The project, with a total cost of $265 million, will offer two daily round-trip trains between Christiansburg and Washington, D.C., starting in 2027. The expansion aims to provide a vital transportation link to the region and is expected to improve connectivity for both residents and visitors.

Governor Youngkin, speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, highlighted the importance of collaboration in bringing this project to fruition:

“Today’s groundbreaking represents a lot of hard work, determination, and collaboration,” Youngkin said. “This project is a testament to the power of teamwork and the shared vision for a more connected Virginia.”

The VPRA initially considered a different plan for extending service but ultimately abandoned it after the projected costs were deemed too high. After a renegotiation with Norfolk Southern, a more cost-effective approach was reached, resulting in the current plan.

“We are here today because people came to the table and worked together to execute a new and dramatically better deal,” Youngkin added.

The extension of the rail service to Christiansburg is part of a broader $232 million investment planned by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT). The department's draft six-year improvement program for fiscal year 2026 and beyond will continue to support the expansion and maintenance of the state’s growing passenger rail network.

The New River Valley Project will involve a host of infrastructure upgrades, including a new station platform in Christiansburg, track and signal system enhancements, and the construction of an Amtrak layover facility in nearby Radford, Virginia. Additionally, the historic Christiansburg station building is slated for renovation, starting in 2027, as part of the broader New River Valley Passenger Rail Station Authority’s efforts.

“Passenger rail creates greater potential for sustained economic growth, facilitates job creation and provides an efficient, affordable travel alternative to riding on the crowded interstate highway system,” said Rep. Morgan Griffith, a Republican representing the region.

The new passenger rail route will make stops at several key Virginia cities along the way, including Roanoke, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Culpeper, Manassas, Burke Centre, and Alexandria. Once in Washington, D.C., passengers will have access to other Amtrak connections at Washington Union Station, creating a seamless travel experience for commuters and tourists alike.

In addition to the new rail service, the project is expected to stimulate local economies in the communities along the route by improving transportation access, reducing congestion, and offering a greener alternative to car travel. With an increasing emphasis on sustainable transportation solutions, the rail extension aligns with broader goals to reduce carbon emissions and alleviate the pressures on highways.

The anticipated return of passenger rail service to the region has been met with enthusiasm from local officials, residents, and business owners, all of whom stand to benefit from enhanced connectivity, potential job creation, and increased tourism.

Originally reported by Dan Zukowski in Construction Dive.