North Carolina DOT seeks public comments on state rail plan

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) released its Draft Comprehensive State Rail Plan on Friday, and it has opened up public comment on the document through March 21.

The plan provides an outline for both passenger and freight rail in the state as part of North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory’s “25-Year Vision."

The plan would promote intermodal terminal projects to increase economic benefits from freight shipping, in addition to beginning a study to identify a location for a new intermodal site in eastern North Carolina.

Adding more amenities, such as Wi-Fi to existing services, rank among the plan’s passenger-rail goals. The plan also aims to increase more runs on the Piedmont and Carolinian lines.

The plan and its accompanying executive summary are available for viewing on NCDOT’s website. Once the public comment period ends, NCDOT plans to review all comments and make plan revisions as needed. Final approval on the plan is anticipated in June.