The development of two new rail routes in the Southeast, connecting the Hampton Roads area to Richmond and the Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor, has moved a step forward with submission of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS).
U.S. Department of Transportation secretary Ray LaHood said: “Connecting to the Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor is vital for the economic development of the Hampton Roads area.
“From Charlotte to Washington, there will be easy access to historic Williamsburg and to our military bases at Norfolk and Newport News.”
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (VDRPT) have now issued the FEIS for the routes.
The new route south of the James River could include up to six daily round trips operating at speeds up to 110 mph between downtown Norfolk, Chesapeake, Petersburg and downtown Richmond.
Both routes will connect to the Southeast High Speed Rail corridor in Richmond, providing passengers the ability to travel south to Charlotte, N.C. and north to Washington, DC.
“The approval of the FEIS represents a major milestone in the process including a thorough analysis incorporating public input to recommend these routes,” said FRA administrator Joseph C. Szabo.
“This plan will expand the passenger rail network connection with a vital passenger rail corridor.”
