The Virginia Department of Transportation announced on Mar. 16 that it will hold three public meetings to collect feedback on the findings from Phases 2 and 3 of the Shenandoah Valley Rail with Trail Assessment.
The meetings are scheduled at locations along the 49-mile rail corridor under study, offering residents a chance to review information and speak directly with the study team. Each meeting will run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., starting with a brief presentation followed by an open-house format. The events will take place in Woodstock on April 16, Front Royal on April 23, and Timberville on April 28.
Public participation is considered important for understanding community perspectives regarding estimated costs and considerations for both ‘Rail with Trail’ and ‘Rail to Trail’ alternatives. Feedback can be provided in person at the meetings, through an online survey set for release in early April, or by contacting VDOT directly. A court reporter will be present at each meeting to record oral comments, and all feedback methods are given equal consideration.
The assessment aims to determine the most likely configuration and costs related to restoring rail assets and bridges while constructing an adjacent trail along the Norfolk Southern-owned corridor between Broadway in Rockingham County and Front Royal in Warren County. More details about the project are available at VDOT.Virginia.gov/ShenandoahRailWithTrail.
According to the official website, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is responsible for building, maintaining, and operating roads, bridges, and tunnels across Virginia as part of its mission to support a safe transportation system. VDOT manages one of the largest state highway systems in the country, covering tens of thousands of lane-miles statewide according to its official website. The agency also provides services such as highway maintenance, traffic management through systems like Virginia 511, and oversight of land-use permits along state routes according to its official website.
VDOT serves as a state agency overseeing planning, construction, and maintenance of roadways throughout Virginia according to its official website. The department originated from the State Highway Commission established in 1906 before evolving into its current form according to its official website. Its headquarters is located at 1221 East Broad Street in Richmond according to its official website.
The VDOT Customer Service Center operates around-the-clock for roadway users seeking information or wishing to report hazards.
