Norfolk Southern completes Virginia rail upgrades to help handle more trains, ease congestion

Norfolk Southern completes Va rail upgrades

RICHMOND, Va. — Norfolk Southern says it has completed major work on its railroad system that will help ease traffic congestion in northern Virginia.

The company says the final and most complex of six projects to handle more trains at higher speeds has been completed near Front Royal. The projects are part of Norfolk Southern’s Crescent Corridor initiative to create a high-capacity Intermodal route spanning 11 states from New Jersey to Louisiana.

The recently completed projects were funded by $43 million from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and nearly $20 million from Norfolk Southern.

Rail and Public Transportation Director Thelma Drake says the improvements along Interstate 81 will benefit both freight and passenger rail service and take more trucks off the road.