Ongoing Fieldwork

Richmond to Petersburg (30 miles)

The study area extension from Richmond to Petersburg required additional field studies from Richmond Main Street Station through Chesterfield County, Colonial Heights, and Petersburg, to  Burgess in Dinwiddie County.  (See map)

Fieldwork related to wetlands and streams was completed in May, 2007. 

Freshwater mussel surveys were completed in June, 2007. 

Initial Phase I historic architecture work is complete.  More detailed Phase II historic architecture analysis of 25 individual resources and 5 historic districts began in February, 2008 and is nearing completion.

Preliminary archaeological surveys were completed in August, 2007.  Phase I archaeological work, based on this initial scan and conducted in the areas determined to have a medium or high probability for containing intact archaeological deposits, began in March, 2008 and is nearing completion.  Some additional archaeological surveys may be required due to roadway design alternatives at several specific locations.

Noise and vibration fieldwork in this section will be conducted following completion of the horizontal and vertical rail alignments, which are virtually complete. These specific studies are expected to start in early 2009, and can be completed from public rights of way.

Petersburg to VA/NC Line (68 miles)
Virtually all environmental fieldwork in this section is complete.

VA/NC Line to Raleigh (70 miles)
Virtually all environmental fieldwork in this section is complete. However, the study team is now looking at an alternate rail entry into downtown Raleigh using the Norfolk Southern corridor west of Capital Boulevard. Additional Historic Architecture and Archaeology surveys could be required associated with this alternative.