Transportation
- Warner, Kaine Announce $3.6 Million in Federal Funding for Shenandoah Valley Rail Improvements
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens.
- Virginia proposes shifting construction funds to tackle $1.7 Billion highway maintenance gap
A view of Route 28 in Chantilly, Virginia, with vehicles traveling along the roadway.
- Governor Spanberger Authorizes On-Road Use of Dyed Diesel to Combat Rising Fuel Prices, Lower Costs for Farmers & Families
RICHMOND, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger today issued Executive Directive 5 authorizing the temporary use of dyed diesel fuel in on-road vehicles to provide relief for farmers and families amid rising fuel costs.
- Study provides a remedy for coal dust in Newport News. Good luck getting terminal operators to pay.
This coal transfer terminal in Newport News sits close to many homes in the majority Black East End neighborhood.
- Governor Spanberger Announces M.C. Dean Expansion in Caroline County, Creating Nearly 2,000 New Jobs for Virginians
RICHMOND, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger today announced that M.C. Dean — an innovative power and technology engineering firm — will invest $412.5 million to expand production capabilities at the company’s Modular Mission Critical™ manufacturing campus based in Caroline County.
- Virginia teachers balance AI innovation with student creativity amid rising academic pressure
A laptop is open to ChatGPT during an artificial intelligence workshop at the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus in Alexandria.
- Fairfax has Two bond questions on the ballot with $16 Billion Dollars in Debt: What they would fund
Early voting is underway for the Nov. 3 general election , and Fairfax County voters are deciding two bond questions.
- Democrats ramp up outreach in Va.’s 1st, 2nd and 5th Districts 2 weeks before Election Day
Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, center, stumps for Democratic congressional candidates in Virginia on Oct. 19, 2026.
- Governor Spanberger Celebrates Virginia Ranked No. 1 in Nation for Workforce Training Program by Area Development
RICHMOND, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger today celebrated that Virginia has been ranked No. 1 in the nation for its workforce training
- Apple Wallet adds driver’s licenses and IDs for Virginia residents
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Saundra Jack and Secretary of Transportation Nick Donohue at a press event on Aug. 26, 2026.
- Governor Spanberger Announces First-Ever Director of Outdoor Recreation
DANVILLE, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger today announced Virginia’s first-ever Director of Outdoor Recreation — a position focused on growing the outdoor recreation economy, supporting communities that rely on tourism, and increasing economic development across the Commonwealth.
- Virginia Senate Advances Bill Raising Vehicle Lien Cap to $75,000
Senate Bill 17 updates the statutory vehicle lien and property value cap to $75,000 to reflect inflation and matches a House measure that passed 98-0.
- James City Delegate Advances Parking Enforcement Expansion Bill
A James City delegate moves companion legislation to update and extend permissive parking enforcement authority to every Virginia locality.
- Luria and Kiggans rematch in Va.’s 2nd Congressional District among most-watched races in nation
From left to right: U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Virginia Beach, Democrat Elaine Luria, and independents Bishop Staten and Matt Baker.
- Norfolk Public Schools Maps Rezoning as Four Elementary Campuses Prepare to Close
Norfolk is briefing families on fall 2027 rezoning for Granby, Lindenwood, P.B. Young, and Tarrallton elementaries, with bus routes still unsettled as consolidations proceed.
- Amazon changes course on water use for King George data center campus
The Robert O. Norris Bridge is located over the Rappahannock River.
- Loudoun County Public Schools Details Transportation Operations and Future Needs
Loudoun County Public Schools operates a transportation department responsible for an average of sixty route changes per day.
- Roanoke region remains in emergency drought conditions despite rain in other areas
A map shows the Roanoke region of Virginia in emergency drought conditions in October 2026.
- Virginia localities weigh 1% sales tax for school construction as voters decide on expansion
A view from the front entrance of the renovated Gloucester County High School, which opened in September 2025.
- Henrico Advances $304 Million East End Water Main to Cut Reliance on Richmond
Utilities to file 50 percent design next week on a 13-mile western-to-eastern transmission main after the January 2025 Richmond plant failure; construction targeted for 2028–2031.
- Virginia Republicans urge Spanberger to call special session for fuel-tax holiday
Republican lawmakers are urging Gov. Abigail Spanberger to call a special session to suspend Virginia’s gasoline and diesel taxes for 90 days to ease fuel costs for families and businesses.
- Workforce training program earns another No.1 ranking for Virginia
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership oversees the Talent Accelerator Program, which provides customized recruitment and training services at no cost to qualifying employers.
- Lawmakers Eye Fix for 1% School Construction Sales Tax as 47 Localities Head to Voters
Newport News officials warn the 20-year sunset may not line up with bond issuance; Simonds and Rasoul open to more flexibility.
- Seven Rural Virginia Community Colleges Share $5.93 Million to Train Nurses and Behavioral Health Workers
Germanna, Laurel Ridge, Mountain Gateway, Patrick & Henry, Paul D. Camp, Rappahannock, and Virginia Highlands win Rural Health Transformation Fund awards.
- Survey Finds Majority of Virginia Families With Children Face Food Insecurity
State-commissioned poll fills gap left by ended USDA hunger survey; food banks report rising demand and thinner donations.
- Virginia Faces $1.7 Billion Highway Maintenance Funding Gap
Virginia transportation officials are confronting a projected $1.7 billion gap in highway maintenance as costs rise and older roads, bridges and drainage systems require more work.
- Virginia DMV wait times plummet to record lows after major reforms
The customer service center at the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Headquarters in Richmond.
- Alexandria Schools Race Toward September 30 Decisions on Hazardous Walk Zones and Bus Routes
ACPS and City Hall are reviewing parent hazard claims at key Alexandria intersections before a Sept. 30 ParentSquare deadline on walk-zone bus exceptions amid driver shortages.
- Virginia has a new law that regulates the use of license plate readers
The General Assembly has decided to take action to curb the use of automatic license plate readers by law enforcement.
- Virginia confronts $1.7 billion shortfall in highway maintenance funding
Construction work along the Dulles Connector in Northern Virginia, with roadwork equipment and activity visible along the roadway.
- Spanberger declares drought emergency to speed hay deliveries for Virginia livestock
Dairy cows graze in Stanley, Va. (Photo by Parker Michels-Boyce/Virginia Mercury) Virginia farmers struggling with drought-damaged pastures will be able to receive larger hay deliveries under a state of emergency declared by Gov. Abigail Spanberger Wednesday.
- Could Virginia’s new law allowing 1% sales tax for school construction need a fix?
The historic facade of Virginia's new General Assembly Building in Richmond.
- Virginia Lawmakers Press for Tighter Oversight of Data Center Growth
A Virginia congressional proposal would give local governments more tools to manage data center growth, including clearer rules for electricity demand, water use and community impacts.
- Report Says Hampton Roads Needs Thousands More Health Care Workers
Claude Moore Opportunities estimates shortages of more than 3,500 registered nurses plus therapists, aides and specialists.
- Virginia Department of Health Reports Possible Measles Outbreak in Northern Virginia and Washington D.C.
The James A. Wilding arrival hall at Dulles International Airport.
- Fairfax Supervisors Restore High School Crossing Guard Funding After Rally
The board unanimously approved about $708,000 and 11 police posts for 10 high schools after parents and students pressed for action.
- Central Virginia Authority Funds New I-64 Exit to Ease Short Pump Congestion
About $63 million in regional money advances a diverging-diamond interchange at North Gayton Road in Henrico.
- Virginia Lawmakers Move Closer to Regulating Self-Driving Vehicles
A General Assembly workgroup is drafting a commercial autonomous-vehicle framework ahead of a Nov. 1 report for the next legislative session.
- Virginia Lawmakers Move Closer to Regulating Self-Driving Vehicles
Virginia lawmakers are considering regulations to allow for autonomous commercial vehicles, which could shift companies from using gas to electric, self-driving vehicles.
- David Reid House Bill 409 Clarifies School Bus Passing Rules on Divided Highways
In a rare display of unanimous agreement, the Virginia General Assembly has approved House Bill 409, clarifying traffic rules for passing stopped school buses on divided highways, access roads and certain driveways.
- Virginia lawmakers prepare for a future filled with highly automated aircraft
Virginia lawmakers are aiming sky high as they turn their attention to the future of “advanced air mobility.”
- Virginia House and Senate Move to Speed Up Career and Technical Education Teachers
Virginia legislators are taking on a major issue to meet the growing demand for skilled workers: the shortage in career and technical education teachers.
- Rozia Henson House Bill 26 Marijuana Resentencing Measure Rejected in House on Senate Substitute
RICHMOND — The Virginia House of Delegates delivered a resounding rejection to the Senate’s version of House Bill 26 on March 12, voting 0-96 against the substitute amid concerns over costs and protections for public safety. The measure, which creates a temporary process for cour
- Adele McClure House Bill 19 Expands Firearm Restrictions After Domestic Assault Convictions
RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia General Assembly has finalized House Bill 19, a measure that broadens restrictions on firearm purchases, possession, and transportation for individuals convicted of certain misdemeanor assaults.
- Louise Lucas and Don Scott Clash as Virginia Budget Talks Stall Over Data Center Tax Breaks
With just days remaining in the 2026 legislative session, Virginia lawmakers are running out of time to reach agreement on a new two-year state budget, even as Democrats control the governor’s office and both chambers of the General Assembly. As of Wednesday afternoon, budget con
- Rural Virginia has been kind to the GOP, yet Trump’s GOP allows rural healthcare to suffer
It would be easy to blame Republicans — especially the present White House occupant — for the steady atrophying of healthcare that’s readily accessible to Virginians in rural areas. You wouldn’t be wrong. You wouldn’t be totally right either. Policies put in place during President Donald Trump’s second term contribute substantially to the declining availability […]
- Loudoun Supervisor Koran Saines Advocates for Rejection of Route 3A
Loudoun County Supervisor Koran Saines addressed the need for the School Board to come together and act promptly against Route 3A. He described the route as one that presents challenges requiring avoidance. Approvals have already been granted for Route 3B and Route 4 as suitable replacements in the planning process. Details on Route Alternatives During […]
- Virginia House Transportation Committee Approves Helmet Requirement Legislation
The Virginia House of Delegates Transportation Committee reviewed and advanced House Bill 343 during its recent meeting. The legislation proposes requirements for helmet use on skateboards and scooters as well as nonmotorized scooters. The measure received approval following a subcommittee review and a subsequent committee vote. The process included a motion to report the bill […]
- Virginia secures $17 million to upgrade rail service and improve transportation infrastructure
Virginia has received $17 million in federal funding to improve transportation in Staunton and Chesterfield County, and to invest in new Amtrak trains serving routes across the commonwealth. U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner said the funding comes from the Department of Transportation’s Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program, created by the […]
- Franklin City Schools Reports $816,000 Deficit
Franklin City Public Schools has recorded an $816,000 deficit in its general fund for fiscal year 2026. The figure reflects year-to-date results as of May 31, 2026. District financial statements show total revenues reaching 91 percent of the budgeted amount while expenditures have created a negative balance. The deficit arises from unexpected capital repairs that […]