A local coalition began advocating for Amtrak service around 2010, and local interest grew following the extension of Northeast Regional service to Roanoke in 2017. A study in 2019 concluded that a further extension to Bristol via Wytheville and Christiansburg could be financially viable but would require $30 million in track improvements between Bristol and Roanoke. In 2020, Gov. Ralph Northam described Amtrak service to Bristol as a "logical step" but said that it would be conditional upon the replacement of the Long Bridge with a higher-throughput rail crossing of the Potomac River.
a local coalition began advocating for amtrak service around 2010 and local interest grew following the extension of northeast regional service to roanoke in 2017 a study in 2019 concluded that a further extension to bristol via wytheville and christiansburg could be financially viable but would require $30 million in track improvements between bristol and roanoke in 2020 gov ralph northam described amtrak service to bristol as a "logical step" but said that it would be conditional upon the replacement of the long bridge with a higher-throughput rail crossing of the potomac river