The New River Valley Project includes:
- A new station platform with canopy.
- Parking lot and access roads.
- Track improvements and updated signaling system.
- Am Amtrak layover facility in nearby Radford.
The extension of service to Christiansburg will be via NS’s main line (N-Line), the result of an agreement between VPRA and NS completed last September through which VPRA purchased the Manassas Line and gained access to the N-Line. By expanding service from Roanoke to Christiansburg on the N-Line, VPRA will use existing infrastructure with a focus on developing a station stop at the Cambria site which previously served the community from 1904 to 1979. The project will also enhance NS’s freight service through the area.
“This is more than a rail project—it’s a long-term investment in regional access, mobility, and growth. Service to the New River Valley could begin as soon as 2027. We’re proud to be part of a solution that works for both freight and passenger rail,” NS said in a release.
(NS photo)
The New River Valley Passenger Rail Station Authority—created by the Virginia General Assembly in 2021—has the lead in the renovation of the historic Christiansburg station building at Cambria. It will be called the New River Valley Station and renovations are expected to begin in 2027, according to the Authority.
The estimated cost of VPRA’s New River Valley Project is $264.5 million. Preliminary construction began in late February 2025 with full construction commencing this spring. Amtrak Virginia service is expected to begin in 2027 with two daily roundtrips between Christiansburg and Washington, DC, with stops in Roanoke, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Culpeper, Manassas, Burke Centre, and Alexandria. Trip times are estimated to be 50 minutes between Christiansburg and Roanoke and just under six hours between Christiansburg and Washington, DC. From Washington, the service will continue on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor to Philadelphia, New York, Boston and points in-between.
One of VPRA’s four corridors of service, the Roanoke corridor began with one daily roundtrip between Lynchburg and Washington, DC, in 2009. Since that time, the service was extended from Lynchburg to Roanoke and increased from one daily roundtrip to two daily roundtrips. Ridership along the corridor has grown from more than 100,000 between Lynchburg and Washington that first year to more than 343,000 between Roanoke and Washington last year.
“I want to thank VPRA and Norfolk Southern for coming together last year to reach an all-around better deal for Virginians,” said Virginia Secretary of Transportation W. Sheppard Miller III. “The new agreement between VPRA and Norfolk Southern is the reason we are here breaking ground on a project that will provide additional connectivity and promote economic growth in the New River Valley.”
“The groundbreaking of the New River Valley Project represents what can be achieved through strong partnerships,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of VPRA. “This project would not be possible without the shared vision of providing Virginians with a rail alternative. We thank Governor Youngkin, Secretary Miller, Norfolk Southern, and Amtrak for their foresight and support in bringing passenger rail back to the New River Valley.”
“Standing alongside so many visionaries to break ground on this new station was a proud moment. Virginia brought more passenger rail to life without compromising freight—and that’s thanks to the trust and collaboration we’ve built together. This is the kind of work that reminds us how powerful rail can be when we lead with partnership,” said NS SVP & Chief Strategy Officer Mike McClellan.
