State considering second Lynchburg-to-D.C. Amtrak route

Amtrak:

“The state is in preliminary discussions about adding a second daily train from Lynchburg to Washington, D.C. The idea, raised during talks regarding U.S. 29 around Charlottesville, has no timeline or complete budget but officials say they will be actively pursuing the possibility.

‘It is something we will work hard to make accomplished,’ Virginia Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne said during an appearance in Lynchburg last week. The current Amtrak line has been highly popular since it debuted in 2009 and praised for its high ridership and revenues. It is one of two passenger trains that pass through Lynchburg each day, but the only one dedicated to the Lynchburg to D.C. route.”

~ Writes Alicia Petska of The News and Advance

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Local leaders welcome Roanoke passenger rail deal

City of Roanoke

“The news last week that the state Department of Rail and Public Transportation and Norfolk Southern Corp. agreed to improve rail infrastructure needed to bring passenger rail into Roanoke was welcomed by local leaders. ‘I’m certainly pleased to hear this,’ said Ed Morgan, mayor of Abingdon, Va., whose Town Council on Monday approved a resolution supporting the move to bring passenger rail to Southwest Virginia…

The agreement announced by Gov. Bob McDonnell Thursday includes the track additions and realignments between Lynchburg and Roanoke needed to extend Amtrak service to the Star City. It also includes signal upgrades, clearance adjustments and a platform and train servicing facility in downtown Roanoke, according to the statement from the governor’s office.”

~Writes Allie Robinson Gibson of the Bristol Herald Courier

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