The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Rail Division recently asked for public comment on its State Rail Plan.
The State Rail Plan lays out the proposed needs and investments in the state’s freight and passenger rail network. The 2025 plan aims to communication that vision for the rail system, while supporting the state’s goals and policies.
“Updating this report helps us strategically plan for the future of North Carolina’s passenger and freight rail systems,” Jason Orthner, Rail Division Director at the N.C. Department of Transportation, said. “Public feedback is essential to ensure we’re supporting a rail network that serves and benefits all North Carolinians.”
The report highlights needs and plans for both passenger and freight rail systems, as well as for economic investments. The plan includes continued development and improvement of the Southeast Corridor including NC By Train Piedmont and Carolinian corridors; continued grade separation and crossing improvement projects to increase safety; increased access to ports and inland freight facilities; and improvement of passenger and freight facilities statewide to support increased railroad activity in the state.
Officials said the State Rail Plan estimates levels of financial investment necessary to meet future railroad demands while supporting the railroad networks and their economic contributions to the state.
The plan will be open to comment through Jan. 20, 2026, and is available on NCDOT’s Public Input website.