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Freight – Intermodal

Optimizing Freight & Intermodal Transport

The Western Virginia Intermodal Study was developed over the course of 2013 through 2015. Virginia’s Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment (OIPI) provided funding for the study and AECOM produced the final report.

Truck Diversion from Interstate 81 to Rail

In 2019, Roanoke County requested a study of truck diversion from Interstate 81 to rail. The report summarized extensive studies of this topic and updated the impacts using recent truck volume data.

  • Abstract: The growth of Interstate 81 truck traffic has intensified interest in diverting freight to rail. Interstate 81 truck traffic increased by 10% from 3.4 million trucks in 2008 to 3.7 million in 2018 and may reach 7.1 million in 2035. Up to 37.7% of Interstate 81 truck traffic could be diverted to Norfolk Southern Railway’s Shenandoah and Piedmont lines by targeting long-haul or short-haul trips, through trips, and intermodal transfers. These diversions could generate 350,067 to 700,134 rail cars and could save almost $25 million per year in pavement maintenance.