Commonwealth Transportation Board approves six-year improvement program for VDOT, Virginia DRPT

The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) approved the six-year improvement program (SYIP) for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT). The SYIP will allocate $28.5 billion to transportation projects over the next six fiscal years (FY) beginning July 1, 2026. 

The plan provides funding for more than 4,300 transportation projects to improve Virginia’s infrastructure. Projects include road, bridge, rail, transit and bicycle and pedestrian paths to provide transportation choices while also safely transporting people and goods across the commonwealth. The CTB updates the program every year. 

Plan highlights 

In addition to support for underway projects, the FY27-32 SYIP provides new investment in projects selected for funding through the following programs: 

• $930 million to support public transportation programs, including transit operating assistance, paratransit and capital expenditures, as well as expenditures to the Virginia Railway Express, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and transportation demand management programs. 

• $500 million to improve 43 VDOT and locality-maintained bridges through the State of Good Repair Bridge Program. 

• $78 million to improve deficient VDOT and locality-maintained pavements through the State of Good Repair Paving Program. 

• $11 million in new innovation and technology transportation improvements. 

• $239 million in state funds to be matched dollar for dollar by localities for 143 projects through the Revenue Sharing Program. 

• $85 million for 57 non-traditional transportation projects through the Transportation Alternatives Program. 

• $63 million for 21 projects that received congressionally directed spending through the Federal Appropriations Bill. 

• $19.7 million in state funding for rail planning and freight rail programs and projects. 

 VDOT’s annual budget for FY27 

VDOT’s annual budget for FY 2027 is $9 billion, representing a 6.7% increase from the second revised FY26 budget. The annual budget is based on the most recent official state revenue forecast from December 2025 and estimated federal funding. Virginia DRPT notes funds that will be provided for highway maintenance and operations represent 28.5% of the total budget and 35.5% for highway construction. 

Smaller portions of the budget are directed to address the needs and requirements of debt service, support to other agencies, tolls, administration and other programs.

Virginia DRPT’s annual budget for FY27 

Virginia DRPT’s annual budget for FY27 is over $1.1 billion, marking a significant commitment to enhancing public transportation and rail services across the state. The primary allocation of funds in FY27 is directed toward transit services, which constitute a substantial 79.6% of the total budget. Investments in rail and administrative functions are also notable, ensuring comprehensive support for the state's transportation infrastructure. 

The breakdown of the funding for Virginia DRPT’s FY27 budget is: 

• $930.8 million in transit funding. 

• $37.7 million in funding to support rail projects. 

• $181.1 million in funding will go to the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority. 

Virginia DRPT maintains less than 2% of its total FY27 budget for administrative costs.