Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation

The Buckingham Branch (BBRR) operates across four divisions and 280 miles of track in Virginia. (DRPT Photograph)
  • News

FRA OKs Virginia Rail Plan

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation’s (DRPT) 2022 Statewide Rail Plan has received approval from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

At the Ashton Creek Industrial Park in Virginia (pictured), Commonwealth Building Materials will use a new DRPT grant-supported rail spur to grow capacity for 1,365 new annual carloads.
  • M/W

DRPT Issues Rail Industrial Access Program Grant

The Ashton Creek Industrial Park LLC in Chesterfield County, Va., will receive a $450,000 Rail Industrial Access Program grant to support construction of a rail spur, to be served by CSX, according to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), which administers the program.

Virginia CTB Approves New Rail Spur at Hershey Chocolate Facility

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) announced Jan. 18 that the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) has approved a $450,000 grant through the agency’s Rail Industrial Program to Hershey Chocolate of Virginia Inc. for construction of a new 4,750-foot rail spur to be served by Norfolk Southern (NS) at the snack company’s Augusta County facility.

The $47 million Newport News Transportation Center (rendering above) is slated to open in late 2023. Partnering on the project are the city of Newport News, Virginia Passenger Rail Authority, Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, and Virginia Department of Transportation.

Virginia Advances Passenger Rail Expansion Plans

Virginia’s New River Valley Passenger Rail Service Extension and Newport News Transportation Center projects will receive a combined $3.2 million in federal funding to move forward, the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) reported on Jan. 17.

Zach Trogdon (left) has been appointed as Virginia DRPT's Chief of Public Transportation and KCSM President, General Manager and Executive Representative Oscar Del Cueto Cuevas (right) has been appointed President of the Mexican Railway Association (AMF).
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People News: DRPT, KCSM

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) names Zach Trogdon Chief of Public Transportation. Also, Kansas City Southern de Mexico (KCSM) President, General Manager and Executive Representative Oscar Del Cueto Cuevas is appointed President of the Mexican Railway Association (AMF).

Jennifer DeBruhl, Virginia DRPT Director
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People News: DRPT, RTD, COMTO, WAGO

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) appoints Jennifer DeBruhl Director. Also, the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce (CWCC) names Regional Transportation District (RTD) Board Director Angie Rivera-Malpiede among the

Jennifer Mitchell, incoming Deputy Administrator, FRA

Jennifer Mitchell Joining FRA

Jennifer Mitchell is moving on from her position as Director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) to join the Federal Railroad Administration in April as Deputy Administrator, DRPT reported on March 11. Jennifer DeBruhl will serve as acting Director starting March 18.

Amtrak Northeast Regional Route 51 on Sept. 27 began offering new early-morning service from Main Street Station in Richmond to Washington, D.C., and New York. Riders can now choose from three daily departure times—two in the morning and one in the evening.

Virginia Expands Amtrak Service

Virginia has expanded daily Amtrak service from Richmond to the Northeast Corridor as part of its $3.7 billion initiative to improve passenger and freight rail capacity and relieve automotive traffic congestion in the commonwealth.

Julie Green, Vice President, Hatch LTK
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Julie Green to Receive COMTO Award

The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) will recognize Hatch LTK Vice President Julie Green and 12 other women for their “outstanding contributions to America’s transportation industry” during its virtual conference, to be held Sept. 28-30.

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