The ambitious plan to reconnect the Port City to the state capital by rail has reached a new milestone. Following the initial inclusion in the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Corridor Identification and Development Program, the project has officially transitioned into the development of a formal Service Development Plan.
State transportation officials have narrowed the focus to the Goldsboro Route, which utilizes existing corridors to connect Raleigh Union Station to Wilmington. Current engineering projections estimate the capital cost at approximately $810 million dollars. This route is favored for its ability to integrate with the “S-Line” project currently under construction north of Raleigh, which recently secured over $1 billion dollars in Federal backing.
The updated proposal includes:
- Frequency: Three daily round trips between the coast and the Triangle.
- Travel Time: An estimated 2 hour, 35 minutes from end to end.
- Economic Impact: A projected annual ridership of 80,000 passengers, providing a vital link for tourism and regional commuting.
While the project is gaining momentum, officials caution that the timeline for completion remains long-term. The next 12 months will focus on environmental impact assessments and securing the 10% state funding match required by federal guidelines. If milestones continue to be met, track upgrades and bridge reinforcements could begin in the late 2020s, with a target for service commencement in the early 2030s. So, patience is the key in this project.
Original story coverage from April 7 – Federal Program Advances Raleigh‑to‑Coast Rail Plans – BC NEWS & DOLLAR-SAVER
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