Marty Gordon
New River Valley leaders are putting together a plan to expand access to a new Amtrak passenger service on Cambria Street in Christiansburg.
The town and the New River Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (NRVMPO) are conducting the study, which will look at how people would walk and bike to and from the station. In addition, they are examining what improvements can make everyday travel in the surrounding neighborhoods safer, more comfortable and more convenient for Christiansburg residents.
As part of the study, several potential pedestrian and bicycle improvements have been developed for evaluation. The recommendations include seven multimodal facilities that would provide access to the train station.
Details were unveiled this past week. The plan includes the following:
Mill Lane sidewalk: Upgrade existing facilities on Mill Lane NE to greater accessibility between the aquatic center and a proposed Cambria Trail;
Depot Street sidewalk extension: A sidewalk to be built on the northbound side of Depot between existing sidewalks at North Drive and future Mill Lane sidewalk.
Bike lane: High Street NE could be converted to one-way, eastbound traffic with shared lane markings and a bicycle lane. (Similar to what is found in Blacksburg along Draper Street SW, south of Airport Road.);
North Drive one way conversion: North Drive could be converted to westbound traffic only with shared lane markings and a bicycle lane. This would match High Street plans.
East Main Street sidewalk extension: This concept would extend the sidewalk on the northbound side of East Main Street between Harless and High streets.
Lester Street sidewalk extension: The sidewalk would be extended on the southbound side of Lester Street from Forest Street NE to Depot Street NE, providing a connection to Depot Street shared path.
Depot Street shared use: This concept would provide a shared path on the eastbound side of Depot Street between the new passenger station and a connection to the Cambria Trail and Roanoke Street where new sidewalk and pedestrian improvements are planned.
Local residents can comment on the plan at: or it can also be found on the town’s website.
The passenger station is expected to be open in 2027.
