Resources & studies
The extension of rail service from the New River Valley to Bristol
The extension of rail service from the New River Valley to Bristol will have a significant impact on the region and the state. This service would provide a more convenient and sustainable transportation option for residents and visitors, helping to reduce traffic congestion on the highways and improve air quality.
In addition to the environmental benefits, the project could also have economic benefits for the region. The increased connectivity provided by the passenger rail service could attract new businesses and industries to the area, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.
The proposed route for the extension of passenger rail service from the New River Valley to Bristol includes the Blacksburg Branch Route (CA-line) from MP CA-0.5 to CA-4.0, Christiansburg District Route (N-Line) from MP N-289.3 to N-297.63, Pulaski District (NB-line) from MP NB-297.63 to NB 408.38, and Whitethorne District Route (V-line) from MP V-278.2 to V-280.0. The exact route is dependent on the yet-to-be-determined station location in the New River Valley.
2023 Report of the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR)
The General Assembly passed Public Chapter 1114, Acts of 2022, and Public Chapter 1124, Acts of 2022, which direct the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations to study and make recommendations regarding the potential for passenger rail service or other suitable alternatives for linking the major cities in each of the grand divisions of the state. The study must
• identify the alignment, condition, and ownership of tracks;
• define an integrated network for intercity rail travel;
• provide alternatives for intermodal connections between the affected airports and passenger rail services; and
• survey projects initiated over the past 10 years involving the initiation of new state-sponsored Amtrak intercity passenger rail.
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2021 Bristol Extension Capital & Operating Cost Analysis
This analysis is a report released by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation on the capital and operating costs of extending intercity passenger rail service to Bristol, Virginia. The report includes estimates for capital costs, ridership forecasts, and operating and maintenance (O&M) costs.
According to the 2021 Bristol Extension Capital & Operating Cost Analysis report, the estimated capital costs for extending intercity passenger rail service to Bristol, Virginia, range from $0.54B to $1.5B in 2030 dollars. The report used two methodologies to forecast potential ridership along the corridor. The forecasts range from 154,900 to 226,900 annual riders, depending on the methodology used and the on-time performance assumed.
Potential revenue estimates were included to offset the operating costs of the proposed intercity passenger rail service extension to Bristol, Virginia. The report states that the revenue could offset O&M costs by up to $0.5M to $0.7M per year.
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Virginia Passenger Rail Authority – Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations
This report is about the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority’s (VPRA) commitment to expanding rail service in Virginia due to growing interstate congestion and limited highway capacity. The authority has partnered with Amtrak, VRE, CSX and Norfolk Southern Railway to separate freight and passenger service, and acquire railroad right-of-way. The Commonwealth Transportation Fund has been restructured to invest in multimodal transportation, including rail projects such as the TRV Infrastructure Improvements and the Western Rail Initiative. The authority is actively applying for federal grants to expedite future projects.
The plan includes doubling state-supported Amtrak roundtrips from six to 13, nearly hourly service from Richmond to Washington, D.C., additional VRE and Amtrak weekend and late-night service starting in 2026, increasing VRE Service by 75% along the Fredericksburg Line, and allowing future ability to increase VRE Manassas Line Service. The VPRA has acquired, or will soon acquire, approximately 400 miles of railroad right-of-way in rail corridors along I-95, I-64, I-85 and I-81.
The VPRA partners with Amtrak and VRE to operate passenger and commuter rail service, and is governed by a 15-member board appointed by the governor and chaired by the director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation.
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Research Plan: Passenger Rail and Mobility Study Public Chapter 1114 and Public Chapter 1124
The document outlines a problem-solving and decision-making process in eight steps, including constructing alternatives, selecting criteria, estimating costs and effectiveness and confronting trade-offs. The timeline for the process spans from May 2022 to September 2023, with specific steps taking place in different months. The stakeholders involved in the process include state and local governments, businesses, individuals and various organizations related to transportation and development. The final report is produced in Step 8 and is submitted to the commission for review and comment, with revisions made based on feedback before the final report is submitted for approval.
The purpose of the study being conducted by Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) is to research and provide recommendations regarding the potential for passenger rail service or other suitable transit alternatives linking the major cities in each of the grand divisions of the state. The study also includes surveying projects initiated over the past 10 years involving the initiation of new state-sponsored Amtrak intercity/interstate passenger rail projects.
The stakeholders to be interviewed for the TACIR study on potential passenger rail service or other transit alternatives linking major cities in each of the grand divisions of the state include state departments of transportation, host railroads, Amtrak and any state-created entities tasked with sponsoring and managing the new intercity passenger rail service.
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Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations Passenger Rail and Mobility Memo
This memo is about ongoing research into the feasibility of intercity passenger rail service and transportation alternatives. The staff has completed a review of intercity passenger rail and alternative transportation projects in all 50 states and identified three states with successful Amtrak intercity passenger rail service.
Representatives from these states, Amtrak and freight railroads participated in a panel discussion during the commission meeting in January 2023. The staff will prepare a draft report for the commission to consider at the June 2023 meeting and submit the final report in July.
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A Resolution of the Bristol Virginia City Council and the Industrial Development Authority Supporting a Special Projects Grant Award Application to the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission
The proposed expansion of passenger rail service to the City of Bristol is consistent with with the 2012 Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission’s strategic plan.
The City Council and the Industrial Development Authority wholly support the full consideration of a Special Projects Grant application with the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Committee to complete a feasibility study for the expansion of passenger rail services to Bristol.
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Tennessee Statewide Rail Plan by the Tennessee Department of Transportation
The Tennessee State Railroad Plan (SRP) is a companion piece to TDOT’s 25-Year Long-Range
Transportation Policy Plan and Statewide Multimodal Freight Plan. The Tennessee Rail Vision and
associated Goals, Objectives, and Strategies closely align with those developed from the companion plans. Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Multimodal Transportation Resources and Long Range Planning Divisions have developed this update to respond to the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (PRIIA). PRIIA reauthorized the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) and strengthened the U.S. intercity passenger rail network. This was accomplished by directing Amtrak, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), states, and other stakeholders to improve service, operations, and facilities, and by authorizing funding for these activities. Section 303 of PRIIA provides for enhanced state involvement in rail policy, planning and development efforts.
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Virginia Statewide Rail Plan by Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
The Virginia Statewide Rail Plan aligns with the goals/objectives of VTrans. Virginia’s last Rail Plan was adopted by the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) in 2018. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requires each state to update its SRP every four years. The Rail Plan is necessary to apply and receive federal rail funding for passenger and freight projects and includes 6-year and 20-year horizons. Data points/metrics can compared plan to plan and state to state. The plan requires close coordination with the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA).
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