Virginia wants to move more goods through Port of Virginia by rail

Cranes looming over the Port of Virginia viewed from the waterfront in Norfolk. (Ned Oliver/Virginia Mercury)

Virginia plans to increase the use of freight rail to transport goods by partnering with the Port of Virginia, according to the draft 2022 Statewide Rail Plan published on Wednesday.

Using freight services to transport goods is expected to help relieve traffic congestion, reduce carbon emissions and yield annually $2.1 billion in benefits.

“The fact that we’re looking at it and talking about it and looking for ways to improve it, we think it’s a sign of strength, and it will help our overall efforts to expand,” said Joseph Harris, spokesman for the Port of Virginia.

Harris said the plan is critical due to the port’s growth and expansion of the central rail yard at Norfolk International Terminals, which is expected to process 1.1 million rail lifts annually. He said the port’s rail volume is up by 4%, or about 446,000 containers, versus 428,000 containers moved by rail during the pandemic.

Jennifer DeBruhl, director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, said the previous plan included recommendations for freight investments, but the draft plan calls for transportation officials to be “much more strategic” with their partners.

With the increase in freight transportation, DeBruhl said transportation officials want to help facilitate “the growth of business in the commonwealth” and “support that economic growth with rail” while improving travel on highways.

Total rail tonnage is expected to grow by 60% between 2017 and 2045. Coal has been the primary commodity carried by rail, chemicals, and allied products.

DRPT has committed close to $50 million under the existing rail plan through its grant program.

According to the plan, Virginia is expected to invest $5.8 billion into 174 rail projects. The plan states that about $227.9 million will go to freight projects in the next six years and another $213.8 million afterward. The remaining investments will go to passenger rail projects expected to yield annually $171 million in benefits.

The plan, which is open for public comment until Oct. 27, is scheduled to be finalized in November. Comments can be submitted to drptpr@drpt.virginia.gov.

by Nathaniel Cline, Virginia Mercury

Virginia Mercury is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Virginia Mercury maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Sarah Vogelsong for questions: info@virginiamercury.com. Follow Virginia Mercury on Facebook and Twitter.