SOUTHEASTERN NORTH CAROLINA

Southeastern North Carolina Passenger Rail Study - July 2005 (895K PDF)
Southeastern North Carolina Passenger Rail Feasibility Study- May 2001 (216K PDF)

In May 2001, the Southeastern North Carolina Passenger Rail Feasibility Study evaluated three possible routes for rail service to Wilmington and the southeastern part of the state. The study indicated strong interest in passenger train service along the Wilmington-Raleigh routes and recommended that the department conduct more detailed analysis to help determine the best possible route. Study elements included: a station assessment, travel surveys, ridership and revenue forecasts, track capacity and signal improvements analysis, a rail improvement and port study, equipment and mechanical cost analysis and station conceptual designs.

In July 2005, the NCDOT released results of the Southeastern North Carolina Passenger Rail Study. The study reinforced earlier findings indicating significant interest in reinstating passenger train service to and from southeastern North Carolina. It also identified how track improvements would benefit freight rail service by adding capacity and reliability.

Of the four routes researched, two have merit for implementation. The report recommended:

• Implementing passenger train service from Wilmington to Raleigh via Fayetteville and Goldsboro in phases as funds become available.
  Exploring implementation of a demonstration commuter service between Smithfield-Selma and Raleigh and consider extension of commuter service to Fayetteville and Goldsboro as money becomes available.
• Working with local governments, chambers of commerce and host railroads to help secure a federal funding partner.
• Working with the Department of Commerce, Global Transpark and State Ports Authority to improve freight rail service between Goldsboro and Wilmington.
• Partnering with the State Ports Authority and freight railroads to develop dual rail carrier access to the ports in Wilmington and Morehead City.
• Preserving right-of-way needed along the Fayetteville and Goldsboro routes to implement passenger rail service in the future.
• Working with local governments, MPOs and RPOs to coordinate land use and transportation planning to enable transit friendly development.
• Working with local governments along the routes to refurbish historic stations and acquire property for multi-modal station in Wilmington.