Virginia Continues to Break Records in Truck Diversion through Rail Investments
 The Commonwealth of Virginia continues to lead the way in freight rail efficiency, as the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) is pleased to announce another record-breaking year in truck diversion through its freight rail programs. In 2024, a total of 16,234,884 trucks were successfully diverted from Virginia’s highways, a significant increase from 15,054,707 trucks diverted in 2023. This milestone reflects a consistent upward trend in truck diversion that has continued every year since 2017, supported by the Youngkin administration’s focus on modernizing infrastructure and maximizing taxpayer return on investment.
These results highlight the transformational impact of rail investments across the Commonwealth. On average, one railcar removes 3.4 truckloads from the road. In 2024 alone, 4,774,966 railcars contributed to this achievement, demonstrating that freight rail is playing a crucial role in improving transportation efficiency and reducing highway wear.
Virginia’s success is made possible through the combined efforts of several targeted DRPT programs, including the Rail Preservation Fund, the Rail Industrial Access Program, the FREIGHT Program, and its predecessor, the Rail Enhancement Fund. Each program plays a strategic role in strengthening and expanding the Commonwealth’s freight rail infrastructure, while helping businesses shift goods off crowded highways and onto rail.
All recipients of DRPT rail grant funding are required to report annually on project performance for several years after completion. This performance tracking enables DRPT to evaluate long-term project success and ensure that taxpayer dollars are being invested responsibly and effectively. In 2024, 32 grantees submitted carload data for projects completed that year, contributing to the overall truck diversion count and providing insight into the sustained impact of these public investments.
These results reflect the Youngkin administration’s commitment to investing in infrastructure that delivers measurable outcomes, increases economic competitiveness, and strengthens supply chain resilience across the Commonwealth.
“This progress demonstrates that rail is not only a smart investment, but it is a strategic solution to some of Virginia’s biggest transportation challenges,” said DRPT Director Tiffany Robinson. “Every truck we keep off the road means less congestion for drivers, lower maintenance costs for our infrastructure, and a more efficient supply chain for Virginia businesses. These results show that our freight rail programs are delivering meaningful benefits to communities and the Commonwealth as a whole. We’re proud of the momentum we’ve built, and we’re committed to taking it even further in 2025.”
“Freight rail is essential to Virginia’s economy, and this new data proves that our investments are making a measurable difference,” said Secretary of Transportation Shep Miller. “Under Governor Youngkin’s leadership, we are focused on infrastructure solutions that are efficient, fiscally responsible, and designed to support long-term growth. By leveraging public-private partnerships and targeting smart infrastructure projects, we’re supporting growth, while also helping to ensure that Virginia remains a competitive and connected place to live and do business.”
Virginia’s freight rail network spans more than 3,000 route-miles and includes nearly 6,000 miles of active track, reaching every region of the Commonwealth. The system is served by two Class I railroads, Norfolk Southern and CSX, as well as nine shortline railroads that connect local industries to national and global markets.
For more information on DRPT’s rail programs and funding opportunities, visit our Grant Programs page: https://drpt.virginia.gov/our-grant-programs/
For a closer look at the numbers and performance data behind Virginia’s freight rail success, visit our Rail Performance Data Dashboard:
https://drpt.virginia.gov/data/performance-measures/rail-performance-data-dashboard/
About the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
DRPT's mission is to connect and improve the quality of life for all Virginians with innovative transportation solutions. The agency works with rail and public transportation stakeholders to provide service to people throughout Virginia and promotes transportation options to the general public, businesses, and community decision makers. DRPT's vision is a connected Commonwealth with an integrated multimodal network that serves every person, every business, and every need. For more information, please visit www.drpt.virginia.gov.
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