North Carolina board OKs plan to upgrade rail service statewide

The North Carolina Board of Transportation has adopted the state's 2015 "Comprehensive State Rail Plan," which prioritizes rail projects across the state over the next 25 years.

Projects in the plan will support Gov. Pat McCrory’s 25 Year Vision for North Carolina, North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) officials said yesterday in a press release.

The plan calls for improvement of rail connections between military bases and ports; service to intermodal facilities to support freight shipping; improved train service to the ports at Wilmington and Morehead City; and rail access to the Global TransPark, inland ports and intermodal facilities.

"The rail plan identifies projects that will enhance rail capacity and safety along key corridors to better accommodate growing freight volumes and increased passenger service frequencies to meet demand," said Rail Division Director Paul Worley.

In addition, the plan includes expansion of transit options and access to passenger-rail service in all regions of the state.

"Near-term passenger initiatives such as the implementation of the Piedmont Improvement Program and the 4th and 5th Piedmont frequencies between Raleigh and Charlotte, planning for connecting bus services, and new and improved stations will help continue to build and accommodate increasing passenger ridership, while ensuring the railroads provide efficient freight access throughout our state," Worley said.