Norf. one step closer to passenger rail

RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) - The Commonwealth of Virginia and Norfolk Southern Railway Company signed an agreement that is an important step toward bringing daily intercity passenger rail service back to Norfolk, Gov. Bob McDonnell announced Monday.

The last time Norfolk had a service like this was in 1977, McDonnell said in a news release. The release also stated that the first train would begin service within the next three years.

The round-trip train would link Norfolk with a single-seat ride to Richmond, Washington, D.C., and cities as far north as Boston.

The service will provide an alternative to the heavily traveled I-64 and I-95 corridors.

"The Hampton Roads region is home to over a million Virginians, including thousands of Federal employees and military personnel, who currently have limited transportation choices for travel to Richmond, Washington, D.C., and into the Northeast," McDonnell said.

The agreement provides for the speedy upgrading of Norfolk Southern tracks between Norfolk and Petersburg so that they are suitable for use by passenger trains.

Funded by an $87 million Rail Enhancement Fund grant, the projects include upgraded signaling, track extensions and connections, passenger train turning and servicing facilities, and a track and platform near Norfolk's Harbor Park for the passenger train.

Also included is construction of a new connection between Norfolk Southern and CSXT tracks near Petersburg. These improvements will enable passenger trains to run on Norfolk Southern's busy Heartland Corridor route.

Norfolk Southern will work with the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) to complete the work outlined in the agreement.

The project is already being designed, and construction will begin in 2011.