North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein announced the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) would join the state in a partnership to advance a Raleigh-to-Richmond rail project.
Stein and NC Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson said the S-Line Raleigh to Richmond Innovating Rail Program would be funded by a $550 million federal state partnership. The project is expected to reduce Raleigh-to-Richmond travel times by more than an hour.
“Living in the number one state that people from other states are moving to, North Carolinians need good transportation options that get them where they need to be when they need to get there,” Stein said . “The S-Line will connect North Carolina residents to more transportation options within the state and beyond so they can get to school, work, or anywhere else they need to go. I am grateful to our federal partners and congressional delegation.”
FRA representatives, including Administrator David Fink, joined Stein and other state and local officials at the Durant Road grade separation project, part of the final bridge construction project on a key segment of the future S-Line rail corridor. NCDOT expects the bridge to be complete in November, with final restoration work concluding in July 2028. Once complete, the project will eliminate the existing at-grade crossing, which will improve safety while reducing traffic delays. Enhanced roadway connections will also improve mobility and accessibility, officials said.
“This project represents an important step forward in improving rail connections across North Carolina and the Southeast, while supporting freight operations and improving safety,” Johnson said. “We are thankful for the continued support from the FRA as we continue to build the next generation of passenger rail.”