Another city considers light rail

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) - As light rail tracks stretch across the streets of Norfolk, other cities in Hampton Roads are watching the public transportation project progress, interested in possibly extending the path.

Virginia Beach is the furthest along in planning, but Chesapeake and Newport News are now looking at light rail.

"We have the plans," said City Planner Carl Jackson. "We are trying to set aside right of way to begin construction later on if we get the money."

Although Newport News has been interested in rapid transit for a decade or so, it wasn't until recently the city started seriously considering the project. A first attempt to get federal money for a light rail project failed. Jackson said the city will try again.

"Anybody that's been here in Newport News on Jefferson Ave or sat in traffic in Oyster Point is looking for an alternative. They see it happening on the southside and wondering why we can't have it here."

The city doesn't have an estimate on cost or construction times yet, which are figures that will not come for a couple of years. But light rail is part of the city's 2030 comprehensive plan.

Councilwoman Pat Woodbury said she would like to see it happen much sooner and on a regional level.

"It would be even better if we had another tunnel," mused Woodbury, "if we could connect on to it and build it."

Woodbury said Virginia Beach's interest in light rail helps propel the project throughout Hampton Roads, as other cities look to get involved.

"They're back on board. The studies are going forward there and it's going to happen and I'm just thrilled about it."

Although light rail is still in the earliest stages of discussion in Newport News, city leaders see it as a viable option for public transportation.

For more information on the peninsula's rapid transit project, click here .