Construction begins for Amtrak service to Roanoke

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

The commonwealth of Virginia, Amtrak, Norfolk Southern and the city of Roanoke are beginning the first phase of construction for the platform that will serve intercity passenger rail service to the Star City. It has been 34 years since intercity passenger rail service has served Roanoke.

 

Amtrak service to the city will be an extension of the Northeast Regional train from Lynchburg and is anticipated to start in 2017. The service will provide a same-seat trip from Roanoke to Lynchburg, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Md., Philadelphia, Pa., and cities as far north as Boston, Mass.

“Bringing passenger rail service back to Roanoke will be an enormous economic driver for the region and the entire commonwealth,” said Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe. “I look forward to working with the parties involved to get this project completed so that Virginia families and our economy can benefit from this expanded service as soon as possible.”

“Construction is a major development in our efforts to bring Amtrak service to Roanoke,” said Jennifer Mitchell, director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. “This new service is an example of the significant expansion of the commonwealth’s passenger rail service. I appreciate the commitment of Amtrak, Norfolk Southern and the city of Roanoke to make this new service a reality.”

 

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