Federal Grant Boosts North Carolina’s Rail Infrastructure
North Carolina’s rail infrastructure is set to undergo significant upgrades thanks to a substantial federal grant. The Federal Railroad Administration has allocated nearly $300 million to the state’s Department of Transportation, aiming to enhance passenger rail service in the Piedmont region.
This funding backs the Piedmont Corridor Safety Program, which targets improvements in safety and efficiency for rail travel between Raleigh and Charlotte. Notable stops along this route include Greensboro and High Point.
In particular, the grant will facilitate various infrastructure developments within Guilford, Durham, and Wake counties. Plans include the construction of approximately six miles of secondary track to ease train passage, thus increasing the potential for more frequent train services. Additionally, several highway bridges will replace traditional railroad crossings, a change expected to benefit both rail passengers and motorists.
Jason Orthner, Director of the Rail Division, highlights the advantages of these modifications: “The driver won’t be approaching an at-grade railroad crossing where they’d have to be wary of the warning devices activating while they’re proceeding through the crossing,” said Orthner. “There will be no horns needed to be blown by the train because the only reason the horns blow is to warn drivers of an approaching train.”
Construction is anticipated to commence within the next two to three years, according to Orthner.
The initiative comes at a time of growing demand for rail travel in the region. NC By Train reported a notable increase in ridership, climbing from 463,000 passengers in 2019 to nearly 740,000 last year, marking the highest figures in its 35-year history.
