April 1st, 2026
VDOT Announces Public Engagement meetings to present findings from Phase 3 of the Shenandoah Rail-WITH-Trail Assessment
VDOT Public Input Meetings (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM):
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Woodstock: Thursday, April 16 - Peter Muhlenberg Middle School | RSVP on Facebook
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Front Royal: Thursday, April 23 - Warren County Government Center | RSVP on Facebook
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Timberville: Monday, April 28 - Plains District Community Center | RSVP on Facebook
April 1st, 2026
VDOT to host three public engagement meetings to present findings from Phase 3 of the Shenandoah Rail-WITH-Trail Assessment
VDOT Public Input Meetings (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM):
-
Woodstock: Thursday, April 16 - Peter Muhlenberg Middle School | RSVP on Facebook
-
Front Royal: Thursday, April 23 - Warren County Government Center | RSVP on Facebook
-
Timberville: Monday, April 28 - Plains District Community Center | RSVP on Facebook
The Shenandoah Rail Corridor coalition would like to THANK YOU for signing your statement of support back in January. The Secretary of Transportation and the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) have heard us loud and clear; public engagement must go forward to accurately reflect the heart of the Valley. You have helped us achieve a transparent process and now it's time to engage in that process. Here's how:
1. Join your friends and neighbors and speak up for RAIL in person at your local meeting by submitting your comments to VDOT officials. (RSVP for the meetings above.)
2. Fill out the online survey and share with your friends and neighbors
Here are some of our thoughts on the Assessment that can help inform your comments:
- VDOT estimates $700M for Rails-WITH-Trails (RWT), but, the Shenandoah Rail Corridor team along with the Battlefields Foundation will do it much more reasonably; no more than $142M structured as a private-public partnership.
- Our in-depth rail inspection says a trail certainly can be cantilevered from the existing girders. VDOT claims this is not possible on some bridges, but used highway standards to rate rail bridges. See our Bridge Inspection Report here.
- Neither USDOT nor VDOT specify a separation distance or fence for existing RWT in Virginia. Why is this costly migration barrier included if it's not required?
- We remember what the budget says: "Any land acquisition by the Commonwealth as part of this trail’s development shall not preclude the consideration of options to maintain rail transportation in the corridor.”
We're close to a revived multi-use corridor, but we're not there just yet! Norfolk Southern has cited the Union Pacific merger saying they "can't guarantee" a sale after May 2026. Our new Secretary of Transportation Nick Donohue indicated in February that the Commonwealth is moving forward with the purchase of the corridor while public engagement commences to secure the historic Manassas Gap Railroad before this deadline. The Secretary is sincere about the public being heard and has assured us that your feedback is truly sought after so that Virginia walks away with an accurate view for this critical infrastructure project.
We're close to reviving this economic engine, but we have to act right now! Show up and speak up for Rail-WITH-Trail!
From all of us at the Shenandoah Rail Corridor team, thank you and "Let's get this train rolling!"
Dec 9th, 2025
Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation positioned to lead Shenandoah Rail-With-Trail project under new state proposal.
"Virginia Passenger Rail Authority is responsible for promoting, sustaining and expanding the availability of passenger and commuter rail service in The Commonwealth.”
- Slide 7, Rail-With-Trail proposal,
Office of the Secretary of Transporation
UPDATES
Updates
Sept 12th, 2025
Shenandoah Rail Corridor welcomes
National Railway Historical Society, Northern Shenandoah Chapter!
"We the National Railway Historical Society, Northern Shenandoah Chapter, strongly support the efforts of the Shenandoah Rail Corridor to save the Norfolk Southern’s Shenandoah Valley “B” Line between Riverton Junction and Strasburg and to Edinburg under “Rails with Trails” that would offer the greatest option and benefit for the Northern Shenandoah Valley and its surrounding communities.”"
- Van Welton, President
UPDATES
Updates
May 5th, 2025
The VDOT survey results are in!
"Every effort should be made to keep this railroad in existence as an operating railroad with a well-maintained roadbed. The area served by this railroad is about to witness major population growth. This railroad offers many potential uses. Keeping it intact, even as a public service for a few years, will allow Virginia to reap future benefits."
- Survey Respondent
UPDATES
Updates
April 16th, 2025
Shenandoah Rail Corridor welcomes
Virginia Cattlemen's Association!
"The Virginia Cattlemen’s Association supports efforts to maintain and build infrastructure to help sustain and grow our industry. The Norfolk Southern rail corridor in the Northern Shenandoah Valley should remain a viable option to be utilized in the future by Virginia’s cattle and agriculture industries."
- Brandon Reeves, Executive Director
shenandoah rails with to trails river valley rail road railroad railway rail way trail rails bike biking walk walking trail 48 mile train trains short line rr corridor line track tracks tourist freight passenger commuter
nv northern virginia daily news record
strasburg mauertown toms brook edinburg woodstock mount mt jackson new market timberville broadway harrisonburg front royal warren winchester warren rockingham shenandoah county counties
Shenandoah Rail Corridor
welcomes
Valley Railroad Company ,LLC!
April 7th, 2025
"We look forward to restoring old freight connections and constructing new ones as the railroad returns to service!"
Derek Burgess, Owner
Valley Railroad Company specializes in the maintenance, repair, replacement, and construction of railroad tracks and related parts. We operate a collection of specialized rail-mounted machinery such as a tamper, crosstie exchanger and ballast regulator to construct safe and smooth railroad tracks for freight customers across the Commonwealth.
shenandoah rails with to trails river valley rail road railroad railway rail way trail rails bike biking walk walking trail 48 mile train trains short line rr corridor line track tracks tourist freight passenger commuter
nv northern virginia daily news record
strasburg mauertown toms brook edinburg woodstock mount mt jackson new market timberville broadway harrisonburg front royal warren winchester warren rockingham shenandoah county counties
UPDATES
March 25th, 2025
VDOT Announces RWT Assessment; opens survey!
"By purchasing the land and leasing the railway to an operator, the Commonwealth can establish its standards for the corridor to provide both an active rail line and a safe, shared-use path."
VDOT, Shenandoah Valley
Rail-With-Trail Assessment
"I prefer the rail-WITH-trail option!"
UPDATES
February 15th, 2025
Shenandoah Rail Corridor
welcomes the
Virginia Poultry Federation!
"It would be a mistake to abandon permanently rail infrastructure that could potentially benefit commerce, including the poultry and ag sector in the future."
Norfolk Southern Unit Grain Train
What is the role of logistic infrastructure? Rail excels at transporting bulk commodities such as Midwestern corn and soybean meal which used to move on this corridor and still moves by rail to our immediate north and south. Resumption of rail operations will increase the resilience and strength of the poultry industry by providing alternatives for climate friendly and efficient delivery of feed ingredients.