Virginia will receive $17 million in federal grants aimed at upgrading passenger rail service and improving local transportation infrastructure, U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner announced Monday. The awards target station accessibility in Staunton and safety improvements in Chesterfield County while supporting replacement trains that could expand Amtrak service statewide.
Where the money goes
The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program, which was created under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Under the latest awards:
- $15 million will go to the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority to make improvements at the Staunton Amtrak station, including platform and canopy work and accessibility upgrades such as handrails and curb ramps.
- $2 million was awarded to Chesterfield County to address two railroad crossings — on Curtis Street and West Street — with a goal of grade separation so vehicular traffic and trains no longer intersect at grade.
Officials said the grants also support procurement of new Amtrak equipment to replace aging rolling stock, allowing growth in state-supported routes that serve communities across Virginia.
"Reliable passenger rail plays a critical role in connecting Virginians to their jobs, families, and communities, while also giving travelers more options to get where they need to go," the senators said in a joint statement. "This funding will help modernize the Amtrak services that folks rely on, improve accessibility in Staunton, and lay the groundwork for safer rail crossings in Chesterfield County."
Local impacts and project details
The Staunton work focuses on increasing station accessibility and safety for passengers using Amtrak Virginia services. The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority manages state-supported passenger rail service and has prioritized station upgrades that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and improve the passenger experience.
Chesterfield County’s award is targeted at two specific crossings where the aim is to eliminate conflicts between road and rail traffic. County officials plan to evaluate options including an overpass or underpass to separate vehicles from trains, a long-sought safety improvement that could reduce delays and the potential for collisions.
Regional service implications
Federal and state leaders emphasized that investments in rolling stock will help maintain and expand service on several routes that operate in the commonwealth, including the Carolinian and lines connecting Washington, D.C., with Newport News, Norfolk and Roanoke. Replacing aging equipment can allow additional state-supported trains and improve reliability across the network.
| Allocation | Purpose |
|---|---|
| $15 million | Staunton station improvements (platform, canopy, accessibility) |
| $2 million | Chesterfield County crossing safety and grade separation study/construction |
Transportation advocates and local officials have long pushed for better passenger-rail amenities and safer highway-rail interfaces. Supporters say that these types of investments can reduce road congestion, expand travel options for commuters and visitors, and strengthen regional connectivity.
Legislative context
The grants are drawn from a program established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has guided major projects across the state, including the Long Bridge expansion in the Richmond area. The current authorization for that federal law is scheduled to expire on Sept. 30 unless Congress extends or replaces it. Lawmakers are negotiating a successor transportation package, the BUILD America 250 Act, which would provide a five-year reauthorization for surface transportation programs.
For now, the federal awards enable planning and initial construction work in Virginia. Local project timelines and procurement schedules will be developed by the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority and Chesterfield County, with additional state and local funding decisions to follow where necessary.
As the commonwealth prepares to integrate new equipment into existing corridors, riders and local governments will be watching for announcements on service frequency, station construction timelines and safety milestones tied to the Chesterfield crossings. The grants mark a next step in Virginia’s multi-year effort to modernize rail infrastructure and expand travel choices for residents across the state.
