Trucks and trains carrying cargo to and from the Port of Virginia cause many headaches for people in Hampton Roads. Now, the port is gearing up to handle even more cargo by expanding its central rail yard.
Port Expansion Announced
Port of Virginia CEO delivered the 2024 State of the Port address, highlighting the expansion’s importance. “This expansion is crucial to the port’s continued growth,” said Virginia Transportation Secretary Shep Miller, III, at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday.
The expansion added eight new tracks in the central rail yard, enabling over a million containers to move in and out of the port each year. This project took over two years and cost $83 million.
Impact on Traffic
Virginia Congresswoman Jen Kiggans hopes the increased train traffic will help reduce truck congestion on Hampton Blvd. “I know that the rail yard expansion is going to, hopefully, ease some of the congestion,” Kiggans said.
However, more trains might mean longer waits at crossings in Norfolk.
Economic Benefits
Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander believes this investment will boost the city’s economy. “This $83 million investment solidifies our world-class infrastructure and boosts our capacity to support critical projects and accommodate the world’s largest ships, bringing more business and jobs to Norfolk and the broader region,” Alexander stated.
Port officials mentioned that the traffic changes will happen gradually over the years, not immediately.
Future Plans
The expansion is part of a $1.4 billion plan to modernize the port.