Virginia awards grant to Hitachi Energy for rail track improvements

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) on Tuesday announced the approval of a $175,000 Rail Industrial Access grant to Hitachi Energy. 

The grant will support the rehabilitation of 1,000 feet of track at the company’s Halifax County facility, enabling the transport of oversized power and liquid-filled transformers, DRPT officials said in a press release. 

Hitachi Energy is investing $26 million in the facility. Hailfax County Industrial Development referred the project to DRPT, and the project is expected to add about 50 rail cars annually to the network, avoiding truck shipments and improving freight efficiency.

The Rail Industrial Access Program promotes truck diversion by enhancing rail access for businesses.

“Investing in rail infrastructure is essential for sustaining economic growth and ensuring the efficient movement of goods across the Commonwealth,” said DRPT Director Tiffany Robinson. “By supporting this project, we are enhancing Virginia’s freight capabilities while also reducing the strain on our highway network."