The project is the second step in a two-tiered process of federal review. It is expected to be complete within three years.
The Tier I study established the general corridor for improved service. The exact corridor route and stations will be decided as a part of the Tier II EIS process.
“With such a large study area, it’s important for us to understand all localized transportation needs and concerns early in the process to ensure successful outcomes,” said Jennifer Mitchell, director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation.
The first opportunity for public input is available now through an online survey at dctorvarail.com; scroll down to the “take our survey” link.
Four public meetings will be held throughout the corridor in November 2014. They are:
November 5, 2014
Hanover Arts and Activities Center
500 South Center St., Ashland
November 6, 2014
Department of Motor Vehicles
2300 W. Broad St., Richmond
November 12, 2014
National Museum of the Marine Corps
18900 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Quantico
November 13, 2014
Westin Crystal City
1800 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington
Each open house will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m., with a formal presentation at 6 p.m. A self-guided online meeting will be available between October 27 and December 5, 2014.
The 115-mile rail corridor is a segment of the Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor (SEHSR), which runs from Washington, D.C. through Richmond, Va. and Raleigh, N.C. to Charlotte, N.C. It is part of a nationwide initiative by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to improve service and connections to higher speed rail service in the northeast (Boston, Mass. to Washington, D.C.) to points in the southeast (Miami, Fla. to Charlotte, N.C.) and beyond.
Public information and study details can be found on the project website at www.DC2RVArail.com, the project Facebook page at DC2RVArail and on Twitter at @DC2RVArail.
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