The Best of Both Lines: Freight and Passenger Rail in Harmony

For the first time in more than 40 years, passenger rail service is returning to the New River Valley—and Norfolk Southern is helping make it happen. 

Driving the news: We joined state and local leaders today to break ground on the future New River Valley Station near Christiansburg, VA. It’s a key milestone in our agreement with the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA). 

Our role: Through a collaborative, public-private partnership, we’re delivering a solution that: 

• Keeps service on our N-Line, preserving vital freight corridors 
• Enables more efficient passenger service 
• Connects Christiansburg, Radford, and Blacksburg to the Amtrak Virginia network 

We’ll also construct: 

• A new passenger platform and canopy 
• A layover facility in Radford 
• A parking lot to support station access 

The big picture: This is more than a rail project—it’s a long-term investment in regional access, mobility, and growth. Service to the New River Valley could begin as soon as 2027. We’re proud to be part of a solution that works for both freight and passenger rail. 

What they’re saying: 

“Today’s groundbreaking represents a lot of hard work, determination, and collaboration. We are here today because people came to the table and worked together to execute a new and dramatically better deal—one that accelerates the return of passenger rail service to the New River Valley years earlier, on a better line, and at a much lower cost to Virginia’s taxpayers—than the one I inherited. I look forward to all that this station will do to support and grow such an important region of the Commonwealth.”   

• Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin 

“Expanding rail service and connecting people across the Commonwealth is great for local economies, cuts traffic and improves air quality. It is great to be in Christiansburg today for the groundbreaking ceremony of the New River Valley Station, which will provide service to Roanoke and beyond. I was proud to extend passenger rail service to Lynchburg as Governor, support the expansion of service to Roanoke early in my Senate tenure and secure federal funds for the platform study that landed on the location for this extension to Christiansburg to make travel more convenient and consistent across Virginia.”  

• United States Senator Tim Kaine 

“Standing alongside so many visionaries to break ground on this new station was a proud moment. Virginia brought more passenger rail to life without compromising freight—and that’s thanks to the trust and collaboration we’ve built together. This is the kind of work that reminds us how powerful rail can be when we lead with partnership.” 

• Norfolk Southern SVP & Chief Strategy Officer Mike McCLellan 

What’s next: We’ll continue working closely with VPRA and leaders to bring this transformative project to life.