VRE to open Spotsylvania Station next month

The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) next month will unveil a new station in Spotsylvania County, Va., marking the first extension of the railroad's commuter service since it began operations in 1992.

Slated to open Nov. 16, the facility will become the southern terminus for the commuter railroad's Fredericksburg Line, VRE officials said in a news release.

The station includes a 1,500-space parking lot, a waiting area with bathrooms, and a 700-foot platform with canopy.

VRE constructed the new station and platform, while Spotsylvania County built the parking lot.

In addition to the station, VRE, CSX Transportation, and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation are constructing a segment of third track to accommodate passenger and freight-rail traffic in the corridor.

Construction of the third track is slated to wrap up by the end of this year, VRE officials said.

The commuter railroad also has plans to add one more train on the Fredericksburg Line and make minor schedule adjustments before year's end.