Virginia's $28.5B Transportation Plan Targets Transit and Rail

Virginia's $28.5B Transportation Plan Targets Transit and Rail

Approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the program supports ongoing infrastructure projects while providing new investments in transit, state of good repair and transportation alternatives.

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June 17, 2026

DRPT’s annual budget for FY 2027 is over $1.1 billion, marking a significant commitment to enhancing public transportation and rail services across the state.

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Virginia's Commonwealth Transportation Board has approved a $28.5 billion transportation plan.

The plan supports ongoing infrastructure projects in the state.

New investments focus on transit, state of good repair, and transportation alternatives.

*Summarized by AI

The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) approved the Six-Year Improvement Program (SYIP) for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), which will allocate $28.5 billion to transportation projects over the next six fiscal years beginning July 1.

The plan provides funding to more than 4,300 transportation projects to improve Virginia’s infrastructure. Projects include road, bridge, rail, transit, and bicycle and pedestrian paths to provide transportation choices while also safely transporting people and goods across the commonwealth.

The CTB updates the program every year.

Fiscal Year 2027-2032 Highlights

In addition to support for ongoing projects, the FY2027-2032 SYIP provides new investment in projects selected for funding through the following programs:

$930 million to support public transportation programs, including transit operating assistance, paratransit, and capital expenditures, as well as expenditures to the Virginia Railway Express, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, and transportation demand management programs.

$500 million to improve 43 VDOT and locality-maintained bridges through the State of Good Repair Bridge Program.

$78 million to improve deficient VDOT and locality-maintained pavements through the State of Good Repair Paving Program.

$11 million in innovation and technology transportation improvements.

$239 million in state funds to be matched dollar for dollar by localities for 143 projects through the Revenue Sharing Program.

$85 million for 57 non-traditional transportation projects through the Transportation Alternatives Program.

$63 million for 21 projects that received Congressionally Directed Spending through the Federal Appropriations Bill.

$19.7 million in state funding alone for rail planning, freight rail programs, and projects.

VDOT’s Annual Budget for FY27

VDOT’s annual budget for FY 2027 is $9 billion, representing a 6.7% increase from the Second Revised FY 2026 budget.

The annual budget is based on the most recent official state revenue forecast from December 2025 and estimated federal funding.

Funds for highway maintenance and operations represent 28.5% of the total budget, and 35.5% for highway construction.

Smaller portions of the budget are directed to address the needs and requirements of debt service, support to other agencies, tolls, administration, and other programs.

The breakdown:

$2.8 billion — Construction.

$2.5 billion — Road maintenance and operations (includes city and county street payments).

$1.6 billion — Support to other agencies, tolls, administration, and other programs.

$1.0 billion — Funding dedicated to Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, and Central Virginia regions for local and regional transportation projects.

$378.5 million — Debt service

DRPT’S FY27 Annual Budget

DRPT’s annual budget for FY 2027 is over $1.1 billion, marking a significant commitment to enhancing public transportation and rail services across the state.

The primary allocation of funds in FY 2027 is directed toward transit services, which account for a substantial 79.6% of the total budget, officials said.

The agency added that investments in rail and administrative functions are also notable, ensuring comprehensive support for the state's transportation infrastructure.

The breakdown:

$930.8 million — Transit

$37.7 million — Rail

$181.1 million — Virginia Passenger Rail Authority