Virginia BUILD grants will provide more than $76 million in federal funding for four transportation infrastructure projects, including two passenger-rail projects. The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development program.

Amtrak train near Richmond Main Street Station
Archive photo of an Amtrak train near Richmond Main Street Station. Photo: Virginia Passenger Rail Authority

Passenger-rail funding in Virginia

The Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission has been allocated $25 million for improvements at Virginia Railway Express L’Enfant Station and to add a fourth main track in the adjacent railroad corridor between the L’Enfant and Virginia interlockings. The improvements will increase capacity for commuter and intercity passenger-rail services, according to a press release from the office of U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.)⁠.

A separate $25 million grant will go to the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority to construct the Richmond Layover Facility⁠. The planned site will provide overnight storage and servicing space. Its scope includes three storage tracks, a maintenance platform, a service pit with a canopy, signal-system upgrades, road works, a parking lot and a site building.

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VRE describes the L’Enfant Station and Fourth Track Improvements Project as part of the rail section between the Long Bridge Project and Washington Union Station, where the corridor operates near capacity during rush hour. The project goals include a continuous fourth track between 4th and 12th streets SW and a center platform able to serve two full-length trains at the same time.

The Richmond Layover Facility is also tied to existing and future passenger rail service between Richmond and Washington, DC. VPRA says the facility will be located at CSX’s Fulton Yard and will support Amtrak trains serving Main Street Station that are currently stored at Staples Mill Station.

Other BUILD-funded projects

The remaining BUILD funds awarded in Virginia will support two projects outside the rail sector. Lynchburg is set to receive $24.5 million for improvements at the U.S. Route 501/U.S. Route 221 intersection, while Middlesex County will use about $1.6 million to move forward with redevelopment of the Broad Creek working waterfront.

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