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North Carolina Railroad: The State's 317-Mile Corridor

Last revised: September 6, 2024

By: Adam Burns

The North Carolina Railroad (NCRR) is a strategically important, state-owned rail corridor extending 317 miles from Morehead City to Charlotte. 

The NCRR is an economic powerhouse, driving growth and development across the state. It enhances the competitiveness of North Carolina businesses by providing efficient and cost-effective transportation options.

It currently hosts more than 70 daily freight trains operated by Norfolk Southern, handling a diverse range of commodities, including agricultural products, chemicals, textiles, and manufactured goods.

The route has also became a magnet for industrial development, with numerous businesses setting up operations along the route to take advantage of the logistical benefits.

Industrial parks, distribution centers, and manufacturing plants have thrived due to the proximity to the railroad, creating jobs and boosting the state’s economy.

The corridor is also integral to passenger rail services. Amtrak operates daily services along the NCRR, connecting key urban centers within North Carolina and providing routes to major destinations beyond the state.

The Piedmont and Carolinian services offer vital links between cities such as Raleigh, Greensboro, and Charlotte, promoting regional connectivity and providing alternatives to highway travel.

NCRR collaborates closely with the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the North Carolina Department of Transportation on various capital improvement projects, ensuring that the corridor remains a robust and efficient part of the state's transportation network.

North Carolina DOT F59PHI #1755, named "City of Salisbury," on display at the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer on May 30, 2014. Warren Calloway photo.

History

In 1848, the North Carolina legislature authorized the construction of a railroad to link the eastern part of the state with the Piedmont region.

Senate President Calvin Graves cast the decisive vote, a move that ensured the railroad's creation but ultimately cost him his political career, as the route did not pass through his district. The North Carolina Railroad was officially incorporated on January 27, 1849, through a special act of the legislature.

The honor of lifting the first shovel of dirt in 1851 in Greensboro went to Senator Graves, marking the commencement of this monumental project. 

Following four years of construction the railroad opened on December 13, 1855 via a 130 mile route between Greensboro and Goldsboro. This was followed by the opening of an additional 94 miles linking Greensboro and Charlotte on January 30, 1856. Early in 1856, the entire route from Goldsboro to Charlotte saw its first train.

The eastern component of the sytem was built by the Atlantic & North Carolina Railroad, which opend the 96-mile route between Goldsboro and Shepard's Point (Morehead City) in 1858.

Initial efforts to consolidate the Atlantic & North Carolina and NCRR began as early as 1866, but it wasn't until 1989 that the merger was finally completed.

The NCRR was first leased to the Richmond & Danville Railroad and its receiver from September 11, 1871, to June 30, 1894. After July 1, 1894, the new Southern Railway (R&D's successor) took over the lease for a 99-year term.

In 1982, Southern merged with Norfolk & Western to form today's Norfolk Southern, which inherited the NCRR lease. NS managed the railroad until 1999, when a new agreement was reached, granting NS exclusive trackage rights for freight and maintenance operations.

In 1998, North Carolina agreed to buy out the remaining 25% of private shares in NCRR stock from NS, providing the state full ownership of the corridor. 

Present Day

Today, the NCRR remains a cornerstone of the state's economic infrastructure. The railroad handles over one million carloads of freight annually and accommodates approximately 300,000 passengers each year.

According to a 2007 study by the Research Triangle Institute, the NCRR saves North Carolina industries an impressive $198 million annually in transportation costs, contributing to an overall economic output impact of $338 million each year.

In 2005, industries located in counties bordering NCRR tracks generated $143 billion in output, representing more than 24% of North Carolina’s total economy. These industries rely extensively on rail freight services for efficient logistics and competitive advantages.

Additionally, NCRR's freight transportation offers significant environmental benefits. It provides $65.7 million in external benefits, demonstrating its role not only in boosting economic performance but also in contributing to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Amtrak Services

Amtrak trains operating over the NCRR primarily include the Carolinian and Piedmont while the Silver Star makes a few stops between Selma and Raleigh/Cary.  Finally, a connection to the north/south Silver Meteor/Palmetto can be made at Selma.  To learn more about North Carolina's passenger rail services please visit NCByTrain.org.

Carolinian

The Carolinian is a long-distance passenger train service that provides a vital link between New York City and Charlotte, North Carolina. Operating since 1990, the train travels a distance of approximately 704 miles, serving key urban centers along the East Coast, including Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Richmond, and Raleigh.

The Carolinian runs daily, offering both coach and business class accommodations, ensuring a comfortable journey for a diverse range of travelers. Onboard amenities include Wi-Fi, power outlets at seats, a café car offering food and beverages, and spacious seating with ample legroom.

Beyond its role as a convenient means of transportation, the Carolinian is significant for both economic and environmental reasons. It supports regional economies by providing reliable connectivity for business travelers, tourists, and residents.

The train's route passes through various picturesque landscapes, including the fall foliage of Virginia and the scenic Carolinas, making it a popular choice for leisure travelers.

Operationally, the Carolinian is often praised for its punctuality and service quality. The route leverages the robust infrastructure of Amtrak's Northeast Corridor until Washington, D.C., before branching south through the less congested tracks in Virginia and the Carolinas. This combination of high-speed rail in the north and scenic route options in the south provides a unique travel experience.

The Carolinian plays an essential role in environmental sustainability by offering a lower carbon footprint alternative to car travel and short-haul flights. By encouraging public transportation use, it helps reduce highway congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.

Piedmont

Amtrak's Piedmont service is a vital regional train route that runs exclusively within North Carolina, connecting two of the state's largest cities, Raleigh and Charlotte. This 173-mile journey traverses the scenic heart of North Carolina, providing essential connectivity for business commuters, students, and leisure travelers alike.

The Piedmont operates three daily round trips, offering a convenient and flexible schedule for passengers. The journey, which takes approximately three and a half hours, includes stops at several key cities and towns, such as Cary, Durham, Burlington, Greensboro, High Point, Salisbury, and Kannapolis. 

Passengers aboard the Piedmont can enjoy a range of amenities designed to enhance their travel experience. These include spacious seating with ample legroom, free Wi-Fi, power outlets at each seat, and bike racks. The train also features a café car offering a variety of snacks and beverages, making the journey comfortable and convenient.

One notable aspect of the Piedmont is its emphasis on supporting local culture and economy. The trains are decorated with themes that celebrate North Carolina’s history, sports, and scenic beauty.

Furthermore, the service is a collaborative effort between Amtrak and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), showcasing a successful partnership in public transportation.

Future Plans

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and the North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) have ambitious plans to enhance rail service throughout North Carolina. These plans include:

Southeast High-Speed Rail Corridor

High-speed rail service is envisioned to offer a competitive alternative to air and car travel for trips ranging between 100 to 500 miles.

Commuter Rail Initiatives

There are plans to introduce commuter rail services in key urban regions, including Charlotte, the Triangle, and the Triad, to improve regional connectivity and ease traffic congestion.

Rail Corridor Proposals

In May 2023, the NCDOT submitted 12 rail corridor proposals to the Federal Railroad Administration's Competitive Discretionary Grants Program. By December 2023, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded funding to several critical corridors, including routes from Wilmington to Raleigh, Atlanta to Charlotte, and Charlotte to Kings Mountain.

Raleigh to Richmond Rail Line

The state is embarking on a new S-Line project (abandoned under CSX Transportation during the 1980s) that will extend north out of Raleigh, with planned stops in Wake Forest, Henderson, and Norlina. While the NCDOT aims to complete the final design work by 2027, the launch date for passenger services has not yet been determined.

Downtown Charlotte Platform

A new high-level platform is anticipated to be completed in downtown Charlotte between 2026 and 2027, enhancing the city's rail infrastructure.

Build Ready Sites Program

This grant program is designed to develop and market rail-accessible sites in North Carolina to attract new businesses. Applications for the program open every summer, with the selection process taking approximately six months.

These initiatives reflect a concerted effort by NCDOT and NCRR to expand and modernize the rail network, fostering economic growth and providing efficient, sustainable transportation options for North Carolina’s residents and businesses.