Not currently. While we do not support a full conversion to a walking trail, we have made repeated attempts to work with the Shenandoah Alliance and the Shenandoah Rail Trail Exploratory Partnership. So far, they are unwilling to adopt Rails-WITH Trails vision even though it is the best solution for ALL of the Valley's citizens. We trust that they will soon see the light and do what's right for the Valley. We are always willing to work with anyone on real transportation solutions that will sustain our diverse citizens far into the future! Why should the Valley remove a vital rail corridor when we already suffer from no passenger rail, congested highways and a lack of high-wage industrial jobs?

No! A stand-alone trail is not the highest and best use of our valuable Valley resources and skills. We DO NOT support a full conversion to a trail when we need rail service right now. We DO support a trail built responsibly within the existing railroad right-of-way, but it has to make sense. We continue to advocate our "rails-WITH-trails" vision in front of the leadership of the Valley, but also the Commonwealth.

No! None of our team receives a pay check, kickbacks, or any compensation for saving the rails. Unlike the Shenandoah Alliance, we are not paid community organizers trying to force a $120+ million burden on our local and state taxpayers. Rather, we are a group of concerned citizens, railroaders, business owners, and farmers who volunteer our time and money to make all of this happen. The Shenandoah Rail Trail however, uses your tax revenue to fund pieces of their efforts, regardless of your opinion on the matter.

1. Call your Local and State Representatives and tell them to "Save the rails!" Visit our Support Us tab to find your local reps name and phone number. 2. Like and share us on Facebook! 3. Subscribe to our email list for all updates and calls to action! Thanks so much for your interest!

No! As of Jan 2024, Norfolk Southern Railway Corp. still owns the corridor and maintains a minimum 33-foot right-of-way on either side of the rails, and has never filed for abandonment. This railroad currently connects to the national rail network in 3 locations: Front Royal, Strasburg, and Broadway.

No. First, the need for rail is there now! Secondly, since 1983, less than 1% of rail-banked corridors have ever returned to rail service. If the Shenandoah Rail Corridor was removed, it would cost $76M to reconstruct in it's current condition. (estimates from Federal Railroad Administration, and private rail consultants)

Short lines are smaller railroads that run shorter distances at slower speeds and connect shippers with the American freight rail network. End-to-end operation of the 48-mile line will connect Valley industries to two large Class 1 railroad carriers, Norfolk Southern and CSX, in three locations... Front Royal, Strasburg, and Broadway, VA. This dissolves the 40-year lack of competition and drives rail car rates down... a huge win for the customer!

Class 1 carriers like Norfolk Southern operate mega-trains that exceed 15,000ft (almost 3 miles!) and travel at 60 mph! When a "short line" freight/tourist railroad re-opens the corridor, it will be locally managed, and not exceed 25 mph, keeping crossings open and moving goods and people safely.

We're advocate for a scenic rail adventure for all ages, similar to Virginia Scenic Railroad in Staunton, VA and Western Maryland Scenic Railroad in Cumberland, MD. We expect an attraction of this type to draw a much larger number of diverse tourists of all backgrounds, not just those in the cycling community.

As a result of our partners and volunteers working hard to inject some much needed foresight into this project, we were able to secure important language approved in Governor Glenn Youngkin's 2023 budget. It reads as follows: "Up to $35 million shall be allocated to the Shenandoah Valley Rail Trail for the purposes of land acquisition, initial planning, and site development. Any land acquisition by the Commonwealth as part of this trail development shall not preclude the consideration of options to maintain rail transportation in the corridor." We have urged decision-makers in Richmond to think twice before removing priceless infrastructure and believe that they will do what's right for ALL of the Valley's citizens.

Trail users trespassing from the trail onto private land has been a top concern of local farmers like ourselves since the very beginning. We encourage you to stay tuned to our social media pages for updates on our design process as we work to make this a good fit for our towns, and our farmers.

No. The only scenario in which land would revert would be if Norfolk Southern successfully filed for abandonment and removed the rails. If the Commonwealth purchases the railroad, no right-of-way will revert, as most it would be used to construct the trail next to the existing railroad.