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North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and town of Harrisburg officials are trying to address residents’ concerns about proposed rail and highway improvements in the Harrisburg area.

The joint effort follows a March 2 meeting attended by NCDOT and town officials, and representatives from a local railroad committee. Town residents are concerned about plans to modernize and enhance the safety of tracks along the Raleigh-to-Charlotte corridor. The project calls for installing a second track through Harrisburg by the end of 2017.

“After a very productive meeting on March 2, the town is working toward mutually beneficial solutions with NCDOT and we are hoping for a speedy conclusion,” said Harrisburg Councilman Brian Leepard, a railroad committee member, in a prepared statement.
 
As a result of the meeting, the constituents revisited current plans and reviewed alternatives for roadway modifications, proposed bridge locations and grade crossings that would safely support an increased number of freight and passenger trains through the Harrisburg area. The parties plan to hold a joint project update meeting by April’s end. Additional meetings between NCDOT and town officials will be held as the planning process advances.