North Carolina Governor Josh Stein and North Carolina’s Secretary of Transportation Daniel Johnson joined representatives of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Thursday to announce a federal-state joint investment of $550 million to the S-Line Raleigh to Richmond Innovating Rail Program.
The S-Line Raleigh to Richmond Innovating Rail Program is expected to reduce train travel times between Raleigh and Richmond, Va., by more than an hour. The project takes freight rail lines currently running between Richmond and Raleigh and updates them for passenger use, allowing for a shorter trip between cities.
“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,” said Governor Josh Stein at the press event in Raleigh. “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.”
Gov. Stein held the press event at the Durant Road grade separation project, where he and other officials observed construction progress. The Durant Road project is part of the Raleigh to Wake Forest segment of the S-Line Raleigh to Richmond Innovating Rail Program. During the event, crews were advancing into the final stages of bridge construction at the key segment of the future S-Line rail.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is expecting construction of the bridge to be finished by the end of November. However, with final cleanup and restoration work, the project is expected to be completed in 2028.
“This project represents an important step forward in improving rail connections across North Carolina and the Southeast, while supporting freight operations and improving safety,” said N.C. Department of Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson. “We are thankful for the continued support from the FRA as we continue to build the next generation of passenger rail.”
North Carolina By Train serves hundreds of thousands of passengers a year and is a growing mode of transportation. To see train schedules, purchase tickets, plan your next trip, or just learn more about North Carolina’s train system, visit NCByTrain.org.
