How soon can we expect to see higher speed passenger rail service in our area?
Implementing the Richmond/Hampton Roads service will be a lengthy process. Detailed cost estimates, environmental clearances, construction permits, equipment selection and manufacturing, ordering of materials, and actual construction/rehabilitation of the rail lines must take place before higher-speed trains can operate. The project team is working through the federal NEPA process to meet federal standards and qualify for federal funding, an integral component of the project’s financial package. Based on the findings of the environmental analysis, the preferred alternative would be selected and implemented. As previously stated, the preferred alternative may not be the implementation of higher-speed rail.
