Railroad and Highway Design

Richmond to Petersburg (30 miles)
From Richmond to Petersburg, the most recent section to be added to the project, the preliminary railroad and associated highway designs have been underway for much of 2008, progressing from north to south. The study team has met with the affected local entities a number of times throughout the year. The preliminary designs are expected to be complete in early 2009.

Petersburg to VA/NC Line (68 miles)
Initial railroad horizontal and vertical alignments and preliminary highway designs are complete in this section. 

VA/NC Line to Raleigh (70 miles)
The initial railroad horizontal and vertical designs are complete in this section. Preliminary highway designs proceeded from north to south, and were essentially complete in mid-2008. However, the study team began looking at an alternate rail entry into downtown Raleigh in mid-2008, using the Norfolk Southern corridor west of Capital Boulevard. Additional rail and roadway designs are required in this section, with completion expected in early 2009.