CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. – More than a hundred people gathered at the historic Cambria site Wednesday to witness the groundbreaking ceremony for Montgomery County’s new Amtrak station, marking a significant milestone in Virginia’s passenger rail expansion.
The project, which has been under discussion for over a decade, will refurbish and modernize the Cambria train station, with passenger service expected to begin in 2027.
“This is a dream that is in progress still that began decades ago,” said Virginia Senator Tim Kaine. “I have been very proud as senator to battle for Amtrak funding to get us to Roanoke and then funding for this particular project to help find the right site for a passenger station here in Christiansburg.”
Governor Glenn Youngkin joined local and state officials at the groundbreaking, emphasizing the project’s significance for regional connectivity.
“Folks from the greater Montgomery County, Christiansburg, can in fact get real access to the rest of the east coast without going on I-81,” Youngkin said. “It’ll be great to have an alternative to jump on this great rail service.”
The station’s location sparked considerable debate before officials decided to return to the historic Cambria site, where the original station once stood.
“We had countless meetings with the community, and they were very honest as you may expect with their opinion,” said DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of Virginia Passenger Rail Authority. “They said you know what, the sight by the mall would be great, we understand that’s very very expensive, the site out at cinnabar road, not so good. We really, really want here at Cambria.”
Christiansburg Mayor Mike Barber said he’s excited to finally see the project move forward.
“It’s been a long effort, a lot of time spent on it, but it’s been time and money well spent,” he said.
The new station represents a significant expansion of Virginia’s passenger rail network, providing Southwest Virginia residents with direct access to the Eastern Seaboard’s rail corridor.