Studies
Rockingham, Shenandoah and Warren Counties - Shenandoah Valley Rail Trail Study
Study Overview
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) are partnering with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and other stakeholders to determine the feasibility of converting an inactive railroad segment into a 48.5-mile multi-use recreational rail trail in the Shenandoah Valley. The study focuses on an out-of-service Norfolk Southern line in the counties of Rockingham, Shenandoah and Warren.
The Shenandoah Valley rail trail study will:
- Evaluate existing infrastructure including 19 bridges and 27 culverts
- Consider potential trailhead locations and roadway crossings
- Review impacts to environmental resources
- Estimate construction cost
- Outline options and a budget for operations and maintenance.
Location
The study area covers the 48.5-mile segment of inactive rail corridor from the northern end of Rockingham County, through Shenandoah County and to the central part of Warren County.
The southern terminus is Norfolk Southern Shenandoah Line milepost CW 99.5 in the Town of Broadway and the northern terminus is milepost B 51.0 in the Town of Front Royal. The inactive rail line also passes through the towns of Timberville, Mt. Jackson, Edinburg, Woodstock, Toms Brook and Strasburg.
The entire rail line is within the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District. It passes close to Seven Bends State Park, Shenandoah National Park, Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park, and the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.
Final Study Report
Feasibility Study for a Linear Park in the Shenandoah Valley
Supporting documents available from the Department of Conservation and Recreation at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/recreational-planning/shen-rail-trail.
Study Resources
General Assembly Budget Amendment
(Paragraph P authorizes study)
Shenandoah Valley Rail Trail Exploratory Partnership Website