Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
West Virginia’s major railroads are evaluating a new federal plan to use right-of-ways to cut red tape for electric transmission lines and other utilities.
America’s Great Corridors of Commerce is a new, voluntary U.S. Department of Transportation initiative. It would let state transportation departments and railroad right-of-way owners lease space along highways and rail lines for electric transmission lines, fiber, broadband and pipelines.
Some projects might see extra permitting and finance assistance.
The U.S. Department of Transportation proposal is aimed at avoiding lengthy reviews but using existing transportation lands.
The idea is to avoid acquiring new private property, speed permitting and generate lease revenue for road, bridge and rail improvements.
The DOT envisions private corridor managers developing and operating the utility space, including possible underground conduits or tunnels.
West Virginia already has the framework for utility work in transportation right-of-ways. The state DOT has a utility accommodation manual, fiber-optic permitting guidance, “dig once” guidance and railroad/utility coordination.
“In West Virginia where we don't have a lot of straight roads , we've done all the hard work and now utilities can piggyback,” DOT spokesperson Brent Walker said. “That’s what I think the intent of this particular program is."
The federal plan could give West Virginia another way to use existing rail and highway corridors for power lines, pipelines and broadband.
Before any project moves forward, the state or a railroad would have to volunteer a corridor and CSX or Norfolk Southern would still control their own right-of-way decisions and safety requirements.
FULL STORY: wchstv.com/news/local/west-virginia-railroads-evaluate-federal-plan-to-use-right-of-ways-for-utility-lines
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West Virginia’s major railroads are evaluating a new federal plan to use right-of-ways to cut red tape for electric transmission lines and other utilities.
America’s Great Corridors of Commerce is a new, voluntary U.S. Department of Transportation initiative. It would let state transportation departments and railroad right-of-way owners lease space along highways and rail lines for electric transmission lines, fiber, broadband and pipelines.
Some projects might see extra permitting and finance assistance.
The U.S. Department of Transportation proposal is aimed at avoiding lengthy reviews but using existing transportation lands.
The idea is to avoid acquiring new private property, speed permitting and generate lease revenue for road, bridge and rail improvements.
The DOT envisions private corridor managers developing and operating the utility space, including possible underground conduits or tunnels.
West Virginia already has the framework for utility work in transportation right-of-ways. The state DOT has a utility accommodation manual, fiber-optic permitting guidance, “dig once” guidance and railroad/utility coordination.
“In West Virginia where we don't have a lot of straight roads , we've done all the hard work and now utilities can piggyback,” DOT spokesperson Brent Walker said. “That’s what I think the intent of this particular program is."
The federal plan could give West Virginia another way to use existing rail and highway corridors for power lines, pipelines and broadband.
Before any project moves forward, the state or a railroad would have to volunteer a corridor and CSX or Norfolk Southern would still control their own right-of-way decisions and safety requirements.
FULL STORY: wchstv.com/news/local/west-virginia-railroads-evaluate-federal-plan-to-use-right-of-ways-for-utility-lines
_________________________________________
Follow WCHS on social media:
Facebook: facebook.com/eyewitnessnewscharleston
Twitter: twitter.com/wchs8fox11
Instagram: instagram.com/wchs8fox11
For the latest local and national news, visit our website: wchstv.com
Sign up for our newsletter: wchstv.com/sign-up
