VDOT Phase 3 survey results confirm Valley’s support for rail-to-trail

Jul 17

Good news: The VDOT Phase 3 survey results are out!

Even better news: The results clearly show what we already knew– the Valley wants the Shenandoah Rail Trail you’ve championed.

On Friday, VDOT released the results of their Phase 3 survey, marking the end of the Shenandoah Valley Rail-with-Trail Assessment. And thanks to you, the results are clear: local to statewide, communities overwhelmingly want the Shenandoah Rail Trail we’ve been advocating for.

The VDOT public engagement report summarizes the 8,150 survey results completed this spring. Here’s what they show:

The results at a glance:

🗺️ All responses: 53% chose the trail option

📍 Virginia residents: 58% chose the trail option

🏡 Warren, Shenandoah & Rockingham counties: 70% chose the trail option

👉 Rockingham County: 78% chose the trail option

According to these results, the closer you live to the corridor, the more likely it is that you want the trail.

If you attended a public engagement meeting this spring, completed the survey, or shared the survey and meeting information with friends and family, thank you!

Your engagement throughout this process made it clear to VDOT that the best use of this corridor is the shared-use, contiguous, community-connecting Shenandoah Rail Trail. With these results, we’re one step closer to making it a reality.

Now, we’re ready for what comes next. The state has signaled that it will move forward with the purchase of the corridor from Norfolk Southern, and we’re eager to partner when it’s time to take the next steps toward breaking ground on the trail.

In the meantime, we’re imagining the special places, moments, and connections the Shenandoah Rail Trail will bring to life. And maybe you are too!