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The results of these analyses are documented in the Draft EIS, along with DRPT’s recommended Preferred Alternative. The Draft EIS approval and release by Federal Railroad Administration was accompanied by a formal public comment period in late 2017. These Tier II activities include a more rigorous environmental study of potential alternatives, as required by NEPA.ĭRPT is conducting a Tier II Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process, which analyzes potential impacts of Project alternatives on human and natural resources. While the Tier I study established the general corridor for improved service, the actual route is designed as part of this Tier II process. The Preferred Alternative identified in the ROD at the conclusion of the Tier I study in 2002 called for rail improvements that generate incremental passenger service benefits but minimize impacts by using existing rail infrastructure and railroad right of way. This DC2RVA Project is the second step in a two-tiered federal environmental review process. The Tier II decisions are supported by more detailed engineering and cost estimating, and concludes with a Record of Decision (ROD) that will establish the DC2RVA corridor eligible for federal funds and allow permitting, final design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction to proceed. Then, more detailed Tier II evaluation(s) are conducted that evaluate the specific actions and improvements required to support the Tier I findings. In such cases, the Tier I evaluation is focused on helping to make the large-scale decisions, such as what type of new service is needed and which general corridor would be best for the new service. Improvements to freight rail operations in the corridor would encourage economic development by increasing freight traffic through Virginia’s ports, supporting rail-dependent industries, and present an opportunity for greater diversion of freight transport from congested highways to rail.Ī two-tiered environmental process is often used on large projects before implementing the proposed action. Additionally, because the Project corridor is a multimodal corridor shared with freight, passenger and commuter service, the proposed improvements would also enhance the efficiency of freight rail movements within the corridor. Implementing higher speed passenger rail service would also encourage economic development in the Commonwealth and along the northeast and southeast travel corridors by expanding competitive travel options in the corridor for business and leisure travelers.
Improving the frequency, reliability, and travel time of passenger rail operations in Virginia and beyond, and providing a competitive alternative to highway and air travel.
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Increasing the capacity of the multimodal rail system between Washington, D.C.Providing an efficient and reliable multimodal rail corridor between Washington, D.C.The project is expected to provide multiple benefits to the traveling public and the Commonwealth of Virginia, including: to Richmond segment of the larger SEHSR corridor by identifying the infrastructure improvements necessary to provide a competitive transportation choice for current and future conditions. The current DC2RVA project carries forward the purpose of the SEHSR Tier I EIS within the Washington, D.C. to Richmond, Raleigh, and Charlotte travel corridor. The 2002 Tier I EIS established the overall purpose for the SEHSR program, which, as stated in the Tier I EIS, is to provide a competitive transportation choice to travelers within the Washington, D.C.