VDOT Seeks Public Input on Shenandoah Valley Rail With Trail Study

Mar 17, 2026 7:24 pm

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The study area covers the rail corridor and its immediate environs in the northern end of Rockingham County, Shenandoah County, and the central part of Warren County. Between Broadway and Front Royal, the inactive rail line passes through the towns of Broadway, Timberville, Mount Jackson, Edinburg, Woodstock, Toms Brook, Strasburg, and Front Royal. The study area is 49 miles in length. VDOT.

STAUNTON – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will hold three public engagement meetings to gather feedback on findings from Phases 2 and 3 of the Shenandoah Valley Rail with Trail Assessment.

The public meetings will take place at three locations along the 49-mile rail corridor being studied, with identical information provided at each event. The meetings will run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., beginning with a brief presentation followed by an open-house format with the study team available to answer questions about the information display boards.

Woodstock – Thursday, April 16, 5-7 p.m.

Peter Muhlenberg Middle School cafeteria

1251 Susan Ave., Woodstock, VA 22664

Front Royal – Thursday, April 23, 5-7 p.m.

Warren County Government Center, Board of Supervisors room

220 N Commerce Ave., Front Royal, VA 22630

Timberville – Tuesday, April 28, 5-7 p.m.

Plains District Community Center, large multi-purpose room

233 McCauley Ave., Timberville, VA 22853

Public feedback is critical in understanding the public’s perspective on estimated costs and overall considerations for ‘Rail with Trail’ and ‘Rail to Trail’ alternatives. Feedback can be provided in many ways including in-person at the meetings, through a brief online survey that will be released in early April, or by contacting VDOT directly. A court reporter will be present at the meetings for oral comments. Submitted feedback has equal value whether shared at a meeting or through the online survey.

The Shenandoah Rail with Trail Assessment is being conducted in three phases and will identify the most likely configuration and costs associated with rail asset/rail bridge restoration and constructing an adjacent trail on the Norfolk Southern-owned rail corridor between the Town of Broadway in Rockingham County and the Town of Front Royal in Warren County.

More information is available at VDOT.Virginia.gov/ShenandoahRailWithTrail.

The VDOT Customer Service Center operates 24/7 to help roadway users report potential hazards, make service requests or get information related to Virginia’s transportation network. Use its mobile friendly website or call 800-367-7623.

Find the VDOT Staunton District on Facebook and X and follow VDOT statewide social media accounts. News releases, travel tips and project updates are on the VDOT website.

The VDOT Staunton District serves Frederick, Shenandoah, Clarke, Warren, Page, Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Alleghany and Bath counties.

Information from a release. Posted by Dan McDermott.