On February 17, 2026, the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) reversed its rushed January action to transfer the proposed Shenandoah Rail Trail and its $35 million allocation, without due process, to a private organization in favor of a costly and complicated rail-with-trail project.

In addition to keeping options open for future use of the corridor, the CTB’s action yesterday did two vital things:

It restored your voice. Back on track now are the promised public meetings and survey that will be scheduled soon. This will allow everyone to respond to VDOT’s Phase 3 assessment and will restore the critical public process and transparency given the large investment of public funds into the corridor.
It guaranteed preservation. Most importantly, the state has committed to moving forward with the purchase of the 49-mile corridor. This ensures the preservation of the corridor, keeping it intact as a single, public asset.

Watch the CTB Meeting: Presentation | Public Comment | Vote | Resolution Text

Kudos to all who made calls and wrote letters, and to the state decision makers who listened and prioritized transparency and public input.

Looking Forward

We know how important this corridor is to our entire community. The state’s commitment to purchasing the line fulfills the General Assembly’s directive to preserve the possibility of rail service while still moving forward with trail development. Our goal is to ensure the community understands the plausibility, quality of experience, and costs of both options to ensure this corridor benefits everyone in the Valley.

What’s Next?

Stay tuned for the announcement of VDOT’s public meeting dates and the release of the community survey. This will be the community’s moment to share the vision for the level of connectivity, accessibility, and natural beauty this trail can deliver.