RALEIGH - The North Carolina Department of Transportation's Rail Division has released its State Rail Plan for public comment.
“Updating this report helps us strategically plan for the future of North Carolina's passenger and freight rail systems," said Jason Orthner, Rail Division Director at the N.C. Department of Transportation. “Public feedback is essential to ensure we're supporting a rail network that serves and benefits all North Carolinians."
The State Rail Plan helps identify needs and guides public investments in North Carolina's freight and passenger rail network. The 2025 plan aims to clearly communicate the vision for North Carolina's rail system while supporting the state's goals and policies when it comes to rail.
The report not only highlights needs and plans for passenger rail but for freight rail and economic investment as well. Some key initiatives in the report are:
Continued development and improvement of the Southeast Corridor, including NC By Train Piedmont and Carolinian corridors, to allow for further improvement and expansion of North Carolina intercity passenger rail service.
Continued grade separation and crossing improvement projects to increase safety.
Increased access to ports and inland freight facilities
The improvement of passenger and freight facilities statewide to support increased railroad activity in the state.
Furthermore, the State Rail Plan estimates levels of financial investment necessary to meet future railroad demands while growing the railroad networks vitality and economic contribution to the state.
Public comment on the report with be open through Jan. 20, 2026. To comment on the report, visit NCDOT's Public Input website.