Virginia commissions approve $155 million Manassas rail line agreement
(Virginia Railway Express)
Owners of the commuter rail system Virginia Railway Express on Thursday signed off on a five-year, $155 million agreement to purchase the Manassas Line, allowing the system to enhance service reliability and provide control over stations and schedules between Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia.
The Manassas Line originates at Union Station in Washington, D.C., and goes to Broad Run in Prince William County.
The move will give the rail system ownership of Seminary Yard in Alexandria, allowing the system to enhance the existing freight rail yard and construct a midday storage facility. The ownership rights will also give VRE the Broad Run Corridor from Alexandria to Broad Run, the permanent easement to five station platforms and the permanent commuter rail operating easement along the Manassas Line.
On Thursday night, the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission and the Potomac and Rappahannock River Transportation Commission, co-partners of VRE, officially voted at separate meetings to authorize the VRE chief executive officer to execute a funding agreement with the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA).
The agreement is part of VRE's System Plan 2050 designed to help officials address the public's changing travel patterns, including those of commuting office workers, which have shifted over the past decade. The plan is also focused on maximizing daily riders and expanding daily service offering non-peak and weekend service.
'This is a long-term investment towards the future,' said NVTC Vice Chair Sarah Bagley at the meeting. She also serves as chair of the VRE Operations Board.
The decision by the governing bodies comes after VPRA and Norfolk Southern Railway Company agreed to purchase the Manassas Line last summer. In its Manassas Line Funding Agreement with VPRA, VRE committed to a multi-year funding schedule in exchange for four railroad property interests along the Manassas Line.
The groups said the properties are 'critical' to VRE's current and future commuter rail operations.
The agreement does not identify the specific source or sources of funds for each scheduled payment. However, the deal does provide a general framework for the funding commitment.
Under the agreement, VRE is committing to contributing $155 million to VRPA in six approximately equal payments. The final payment is expected to be on July 10, 2029.
The NVTC board discussed that while the agreement appears to be an added cost, investing in acquiring the railroad properties will create savings by cutting back on the rising costs of storing rail cars and leasing the Manassas Line.
VRE Chief Financial Officer Mark Schofield said on Thursday having its storage yard could also allow the system to enable other operators to store their railcars.
'The property acquisition piece of this was not something that we had maybe contemplated a couple of years ago, but we are making a very positive trade in terms of the cost of the midday storage yard,' Schofield said on Thursday.
Fairfax County Supervisor James Walkinshaw added, 'We can't just pick up the railcars and move them to some other track. We're captured (and) that's always a challenging negotiation.'
SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Associated Press
15-05-2025
- Associated Press
Miller & Smith Unveils the Marbella at Beacon Park: Where Modern Elegance Meets Riverside Living in Woodbridge, VA
Come Home to Beacon Park at Belmont Bay Miller & Smith introduces the Marbella — a four-level, design-forward townhome now available in the Beacon Park community at Belmont Bay, Woodbridge, VA. Offering up to 4 bedrooms, rooftop terraces, and luxury finishes, the Marbella is ideal for modern families seeking stylish, flexible living near the water. Located just minutes from VRE, I-95, and outdoor attractions, this community combines elegance, convenience, and innovation for a one-of-a-kind lifestyle experience. Woodbridge, VA - Miller & Smith, a trusted name in homebuilding for over 60 years, proudly announces the debut of the Marbella, a bold new four-level townhome in the vibrant Beacon Park community at Belmont Bay. Crafted with sophistication, versatility, and timeless appeal, the Marbella is redefining the standard for elevated townhome living in Northern Virginia. A Home That Evolves With You The Marbella offers a flexible floor plan with 2 to 4 bedrooms, up to 4 full baths, and an impressive 2,126 square feet of thoughtfully designed space. Whether entertaining friends on the rooftop terrace, gathering in the chef-inspired kitchen, or relaxing in the loft or rec room, every corner of the Marbella is designed to enhance the way modern families live, work, and play. Trend-Forward Design with Lasting Appeal Reflecting the latest 2025 interior trends, the Marbella - Coming This Fall, features a sophisticated palette of dusty blues, portabella tones, and black metal accents. Inside, homeowners will discover elevated finishes like Shaw engineered oak flooring, granite countertops, Samsung stainless appliances, and designer lighting — a perfect fusion of luxury and livability. 'We envisioned a space where beauty meets practicality,' said Tracey Lamb, VP of Sales at Miller & Smith. 'The Marbella is more than a townhome — it's a canvas for lifestyle flexibility, a space that adapts to the rhythms of life and encourages meaningful moments.' Prime Location. Endless Possibilities. Nestled in the heart of Belmont Bay, Beacon Park offers residents the best of Northern Virginia — from waterfront vistas and quick marina access, to nearby shopping, dining, and top-rated schools. With Leesylvania State Park, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) just minutes away, the Marbella offers a rare blend of serenity and connectivity. A Commitment to Quality and Innovation The Marbella includes smart building features like 3-piece rough-ins for future bathroom expansion, fresh air ventilation systems, and energy-efficient dual-zone climate control. Built with superior materials and backed by Miller & Smith's comprehensive warranty program, this home is a long-term investment in both comfort and quality. Now Selling: Your Tour Awaits Interested homebuyers can now tour the Marbella virtually and experience the future of townhome living at Beacon Park, model coming this fall. With limited homesites available, early interest is highly encouraged by signing up to take advantage of Pre-Sale pricing. Media Contact Company Name: Miller and Smith Contact Person: Sara Buehl Email: Send Email Phone: 703-975-2982 City: Vienna State: VA Country: United States Website: Press Release Distributed by To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: Miller & Smith Unveils the Marbella at Beacon Park: Where Modern Elegance Meets Riverside Living in Woodbridge, VA
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Yahoo
This Affordable Southern Town Is The Fastest-Growing Suburb In America
As more Americans are leaving cities for slower lives in the suburbs, one Southern spot is gaining newcomers with particular speed. According to a new report from GOBankingRates, the fastest-growing suburb in America is a formerly sleepy northern Virginia town located just 20 miles outside of Washington, D.C. With an astronomical population increase of 887%, Woodbridge, Virginia, didn't just top the list of the country's fastest-growing burbs—it dominated it. The Prince William County town's population jumped from roughly 4,000 residents to 43,000 between 2018 and 2023, per the report. For context, the next suburb on the list, Fulshear, Texas, saw a population increase of 236.7% during the same period. Is there something in the water in Woodbridge? Gold deposits? GOBankingRates researcher CJ Williamson says the reasons people are flocking there are actually quite practical. "There are a multitude of reasons for this population boom, but among them is the fact that many DC-area residents left the city during the pandemic in search of less-populated, nearby suburbs, such as Woodbridge," Williamson told Southern Living. "Our data also shows Woodbridge has a relatively strong livability score (71 out of 100) and a relatively affordable home median price for the DC area, at roughly $500,000 as of February 2025, which may also explain its growing popularity." Situated on a peninsula along the Potomac and Occoquan Rivers, Woodbridge offers a scenic respite from the city without sacrificing easy access. It's conveniently located on the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and Interstate 95, the region's main artery. When traffic behaves itself, Woodbridge is a 30-minute drive from the nation's capital. It's also home to Potomac Mills, one of the largest outlet malls in the area. Related: This Idyllic Southern Neighborhood Was Just Named The Best Place To Live In The U.S. Read the original article on Southern Living
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Yahoo
Virginia commissions approve $155 million Manassas rail line agreement
(Virginia Railway Express) Owners of the commuter rail system Virginia Railway Express on Thursday signed off on a five-year, $155 million agreement to purchase the Manassas Line, allowing the system to enhance service reliability and provide control over stations and schedules between Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia. The Manassas Line originates at Union Station in Washington, D.C., and goes to Broad Run in Prince William County. The move will give the rail system ownership of Seminary Yard in Alexandria, allowing the system to enhance the existing freight rail yard and construct a midday storage facility. The ownership rights will also give VRE the Broad Run Corridor from Alexandria to Broad Run, the permanent easement to five station platforms and the permanent commuter rail operating easement along the Manassas Line. On Thursday night, the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission and the Potomac and Rappahannock River Transportation Commission, co-partners of VRE, officially voted at separate meetings to authorize the VRE chief executive officer to execute a funding agreement with the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA). The agreement is part of VRE's System Plan 2050 designed to help officials address the public's changing travel patterns, including those of commuting office workers, which have shifted over the past decade. The plan is also focused on maximizing daily riders and expanding daily service offering non-peak and weekend service. 'This is a long-term investment towards the future,' said NVTC Vice Chair Sarah Bagley at the meeting. She also serves as chair of the VRE Operations Board. The decision by the governing bodies comes after VPRA and Norfolk Southern Railway Company agreed to purchase the Manassas Line last summer. In its Manassas Line Funding Agreement with VPRA, VRE committed to a multi-year funding schedule in exchange for four railroad property interests along the Manassas Line. The groups said the properties are 'critical' to VRE's current and future commuter rail operations. The agreement does not identify the specific source or sources of funds for each scheduled payment. However, the deal does provide a general framework for the funding commitment. Under the agreement, VRE is committing to contributing $155 million to VRPA in six approximately equal payments. The final payment is expected to be on July 10, 2029. The NVTC board discussed that while the agreement appears to be an added cost, investing in acquiring the railroad properties will create savings by cutting back on the rising costs of storing rail cars and leasing the Manassas Line. VRE Chief Financial Officer Mark Schofield said on Thursday having its storage yard could also allow the system to enable other operators to store their railcars. 'The property acquisition piece of this was not something that we had maybe contemplated a couple of years ago, but we are making a very positive trade in terms of the cost of the midday storage yard,' Schofield said on Thursday. Fairfax County Supervisor James Walkinshaw added, 'We can't just pick up the railcars and move them to some other track. We're captured (and) that's always a challenging negotiation.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
