The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Rail Division has released its State Rail Plan for public comment.

“Updating this report helps us strategically plan for the future of North Carolina’s passenger and freight rail systems,” said Jason Orthner, Rail Division director at NCDOT. “Public feedback is essential to ensure we’re supporting a rail network that serves and benefits all North Carolinians.”

The State Rail Plan helps identify needs and guides public investments in North Carolina's freight and passenger rail network. 

The 2025 plan aims to clearly communicate the vision for North Carolina's rail system while supporting the state's goals and policies when it comes to rail.

“The State Rail Plan is an important opportunity for rural communities like Warren County and the Weldon area to finally see the kind of infrastructure investment that drives real economic growth,” State Representative Rodney Pierce said. “Expanded passenger and freight rail can attract employers, strengthen agriculture and industry, and reconnect eastern North Carolina to the rest of the state — but only if our region is treated as a priority, not an afterthought.”

Pierce said he strongly urges residents of House District 27 — Halifax, Northampton, and Warren counties — and all of eastern North Carolina to make their voices heard by submitting comments through NCDOT’s public input process. “This is the moment to speak up and ensure these investments reflect the real needs and potential of our communities.”

NCDOT said the report not only highlights needs and plans for passenger rail, but for freight rail and economic investment as well. 

Some key initiatives in the report are:

Continued development and improvement of the Southeast Corridor, including NC By Train Piedmont and Carolinian corridors, to allow for further improvement and expansion of North Carolina intercity passenger rail service.

Continued grade separation and crossing improvement projects to increase safety.

Increased access to ports and inland freight facilities.

The improvement of passenger and freight facilities statewide to support increased railroad activity in the state.

The State Rail Plan estimates levels of financial investment necessary to meet future railroad demands while growing the railroad network's vitality and economic contribution to the state.

Public comment on the report will be open through January 20. 

To comment on the report, visit NCDOT’s Public Input website.