Future Service

As North Carolina's population and traffic grow, development of rail transportation becomes increasingly important as an alternative to auto and air transport for both freight and passengers. The Department of Transportation works with local communities and host railroads to plan for future services that will meet these growing transportation needs.

Expanding service to Southeastern North Carolina
In May 2001, the department released results of a feasibility study that indicated there is interest in passenger rail service to/from Wilmington. In July 2005, the department released the results of more detailed studies that identified costs and some needed improvements for reestablishing service to southeastern North Carolina. The study recommended implementing passenger rail service from Raleigh to Wilmington via Fayetteville and Goldsboro in phases as funding becomes available. Other recommendations included investigating the possiblity of commuter service between Selma and Raleigh, and working with the State Ports to define benefits adn investments needed to reestablish freight service between Goldsboro and Wilmington. For more information, see the Southeastern North Carolina Passenger Rail Study.

Expanding Service to Western North Carolina
In March 2001, the department adopted a phased plan to extend passenger rail service to Asheville and western North Carolina. The plan includes renovating or building train stations that incorporate other uses. Current budgetary constraints have prompted the NCDOT to delay the return of passenger rail service to the mountains. In the meantime the department will continue to work with communities on station renovations and rail safety improvements.

Implementing high-speed rail
In October 2002, the Federal Railroad Administration and Federal Highway Administration confirmed and approved the preferred Southeast High-Speed Rail corridor. North Carolina and Virginia are now identifiying the next steps necessary to develop high-speed rail in each segment of the corridor and soon will begin more detailed environmental and engineering studies to examine different track configurations.




Improving travel time
To reduce travel time for both freight and passenger trains along the existing passenger rail corridor, the NCDOT has partnered with the North Carolina Railroad and Norfolk Southern to improve the busy Raleigh to Charlotte rail corridor. Construction began in summer 2002 to modify portions of track and install a new train control system.

Commuter services
At the local level, the NCDOT is working with area transit authorities to plan commuter rail services for the greater Charlotte, Triangle and Triad regions.

For more information about commuter rail and transit plans in the major metropolitan areas, visit the following websites.
Triangle area - www.ridetta.org
Charlotte area - www.charmeck.org/Departments/CATS
Triad area - www.partnc.org