Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam will be passing onto his successor, Glenn Youngkin, a comprehensive multimodal transportation system that is stronger and forward-looking, Northam said a the annual Governor’s Transportation Conference.
Northam and Virginia Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine reviewed the state’s major progress at the conference of transportation industry leaders and policymakers. Most of the improvements were largely possible because of the passage of the Omnibus Transportation Bill.
The Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative aims to relieve traffic congestion.
Agreements with Amtrak, CSX, and Virginia Railway Express will connect the Northeast and Southeast corridors.
A separate agreement with Norfolk Southern Railway will extend passenger rail service to the New River Valley for the first time since 1979.
Virginia secured $500 million annual funding to rebuild the aging Metro system.
A $3.8 billion project will increase tunnel and interstate capacity along 9.9 miles of I-64 between Hampton and Norfolk.
A bipartisan agreement with Maryland will replace the aging American Legion Bridge and relieve congestion.
A total of $670 million was invested to expand the Port of Virginia to increase ship capacity.
The Interstate 81 Improvement Plan will dedicate $2 billion to reduce crashes and alleviate points of congestion along I-81, I-95, and I-64.