Norfolk Southern announced it would improve the rail system from New Jersey to Louisiana. The rail improvements will increase the capacity on existing railroads, allowing the trains to carry more freight, and that means less tractor-trailers on the highways.

Resolving the traffic problem on Interstate 81 has been talked about for years. But now, Norfolk Southern announced it would improve the rail system that runs parallel to 81 and possibly divert more than one million truckloads annually off of the highways.

Robin Chapman, a Norfolk Southern Spokesperson says it will, "Reduce highway congestion, it will improve air quality by reducing emissions, it will provide economic development opportunities for those areas that will receive this service."

Governor Tim Kaine sees this $2 billion dollar project beneficial for the whole Valley. "That will make it a safer and more pleasant driving experience for passenger vehicles and [will] also be economically a wise thing to do," says Governor Tim Kaine.

But what does a bigger, faster rail system mean for communities that have trains run right through town?

"It may mean increased train traffic, but I'm not sure that it would have a detrimental affect to the community itself," says Tom Reynolds, the mayor of Waynesboro.

Even though that sound may give some a traffic headache, Mayor Reynolds says residents in Waynesboro know when the train comes through and there are ways to avoid it.

"There are alternate routes. It might take you a little bit longer, but not as long as sitting and waiting for a train," says Reynolds.

The next step for the company is to talk to public agencies to develop the plans further and look for funding. If everything is ready to go, the company plans on starting the project in 2008 and it should last until 2013.