Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Route 164 Additional Rail Line Project?
2. What is the purpose of the project?
3. Who is the State Agency in charge of the project?
4. When did construction work begin on the project?
5. When will construction work be completed?
6. What will happen to the existing rail line?
7. Will high speed trains use the new median rail line?
8. Who can I contact with additional questions about the project?
9. How many trains per day will use the median rail?
1. What is the Route 164 Additional Rail Line Project?
Please see the Project Overview page for a brief description of the Route 164 Additional Rail Line Project.
2. What is the purpose of the project?
The additional tracks in the median will improve efficiency of rail transported freight and provide more opportunity for reducing truck traffic.
3. Who is the State Agency in charge of the project?
The Virginia Port Authority.
4. When did construction work begin on the project?
Notice-to-Proceed was issued April 11, 2011.
5. When will construction work be completed?
Substantial Completion is expected by November 8, 2011, with Final Completion within the subsequent 30 days.
6. What will happen to the existing rail line?
The existing rail lines will be closed to rail traffic and abandoned. While not part of the Median Rail Project, Commonwealth Railway will remove (at their own expense) the existing ties and rails to be salvaged for use elsewhere. The existing rail right-of-way will then be conveyed to the Commonwealth of Virginia.
7. Will high speed trains use the new median rail line?
No. Only double-stack trains traveling at a maximum of 25 mph will use the median rail line.
8. Who can I contact with additional questions about the project?
Please visit the Contact Us page in order to submit a question about the project. Please be sure to include your address, phone or e-mail so that we may contact you regarding your question.
9. How many trains per day will use the median rail?
The number of trains will depend on the amount of business at the APM Terminal and the amount of cargo that can be put on intermodal trains. While this cannot be predicted with exact certainty, it is expected that about 4 to 6 trains per day will be sufficient to serve terminal customers. The number of trains may fluctuate as port business fluctuates.
