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Yesterday, the commonwealth of Virginia signed a memorandum of understanding with Norfolk Southern Corp. to complete infrastructure improvements that will support new freight- and passenger-rail service to the Lynchburg region. The commonwealth expects to sign a similar agreement with Amtrak soon.

The pacts will enable the commonwealth to double passenger-rail service for central Virginia residents. In February, the Commonwealth Transportation Board approved operational funding to support a three-year pilot program to operate intercity passenger-rail service on routes between Lynchburg and Washington, D.C.; and Richmond and Washington. Both routes will continue on to additional Northeast Corridor destinations.

This month, crews will begin constructing platforms and track along the Lynchburg route. Service is scheduled to begin in October.