It's a 'no-brainer': Passenger rail study supports Goldsboro route from Wilmington to Raleigh

After more than 56 years without passenger rail service in Wilmington, a newly commissioned passenger rail study has proposed routes for the Wilmington to Raleigh train service -- recommending travel through Goldsboro rather than Fayetteville.

"We think that the decision to go on this side is a no-brainer versus going the Fayetteville side," said Steve Unger, co-head of Eastern Carolina Rail, a nonprofit advocacy group dedicated to returning passenger service to the Port City. "This has been long identified as the best route ... but this is finally putting a stamp on it."

Previous Coverage: The return of passenger rail to Wilmington is 'not a done deal,' but it's in the cards

WGI Inc., an engineering firm of West Palm Beach, released a draft of the Southeastern North Carolina Passenger Rail Feasibility Study in April, citing decreased travel times alongside lower construction and maintenance costs as primary factors driving the routing decision.

The Goldsboro route would save approximately $170 million in estimated project costs and decrease travel time between Wilmington and Raleigh by approximately one hour in comparison to the Fayetteville route, according to a news release from Eastern Carolina Rail. Fayetteville will get a consolation prize, allowing for expansions in the passenger service between the city and Raleigh.

The current report calls for passenger stops at Raleigh's Union Station, Clayton, Selma's Amtrak station, Goldsboro, Wilmington, and two other additional sites yet to be chosen.

“This is excellent and exciting news,” said Gene Merritt, co-head of Eastern Carolina Rail, in the release. “This report (shows) we are finally on our way.”

Eastern Carolina Rail would like to see least one passenger stop in every county and has also recommended the Wilmington International Airport as a possible location for a stop, Unger said.

"We've already made presentations in Burgaw, Wallace, and Warsaw," Unger said. "Imagine if you could hop on a train in Burgaw and come into Wilmington and commute without having to drive down (I-40)."

In September 2023, Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo expressed his support for the reintroduction of passenger rail in the Port City. "Wilmington can and should be a part of a passenger rail system in North Carolina," Saffo wrote.

Unger agreed that the implementation of the route has been long-awaited, highlighting the potential benefits in Wilmington and the surrounding areas.

"It would provide at a very reasonable cost, probably under $30 a ticket one-way, public transportation that moves just about the same speed as hopping in your car and driving to Raleigh or vice versa," Unger said. "The economic benefit to the towns and cities along the way is tremendous."

A second rail line is also being considered between Wilmington and the State Port, which would be used for freight. Currently, one sole track services Wilmington via Lumberton with no backup, according to the release.

"This would offer a second line and a direct route to Raleigh, a direct route to reaching the (North Carolina) Global TransPark, (and) it will also help connect the two state ports," Unger said. "For the military to be able to move goods in and out of Wilmington...having this line here would be a tremendous asset and a strategic asset."

Preliminary federal grants of $500,000 have been awarded for both projects in addition to five other passenger rail projects in the state. A portion of the funds will be allocated to track upgrades, allowing for trains to run at a 79 mile per hour speed, and the re-establishment of passenger rail depots.

Looking forward, planning and construction will eventually necessitate a combination of both federal and state funding, according to the release. The selection of the two additional passenger stops will ultimately depend on a variety of factors.

"Part of it is community interest ... how bad do you want service? The need (for cities and towns) to press their case is important" Unger said. "To some degree, (it's) up to the county and town officials...but we're making the case for the whole line."

Already underway is a local project in Goldsboro -- an effort to save the city's historic Union Station -- one that hasn't been used for trains since 1968. An event titled Saving Union Station Day, focused on fundraising and community awareness, will be held at the location on May 14 this year.

More: Book recalls bygone railroad that chugged between Southport and Wilmington, slowly

Following a public comment period for stakeholders in May, the next step is the final report, Unger said. This would lead to a Service Development Plan, or a "high-level business, operating, and capital plan with the objectives of demonstrating operation and financial feasibility," according to the draft report -- requiring a 10 percent state match to the 90 percent federal funding.

Three daily trains are expected to carry more than 80,000 riders annually from Wilmington, according to the release. With bus being the only current public transportation method connecting Wilmington to Raleigh, the potential for passenger rail would be "awesome," Unger said.

"It doesn't pollute nearly as bad as air travel does and it'll take a few cars off the road if people choose to ride the train," Unger said. With Raleigh developing into a major passenger rail hub, the route could allow for rail travel from Wilmington to other states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland in the future.

Overall, the project would be expected to take between seven to 12 years to complete, Unger said, with a total cost of $810 million.

"The Hampstead Bypass ... which is about maybe a 10 mile stretch ... is going to cost well over $300 (million)," Unger said. "You think of 800 million being a lot of money, but in comparison to other transportation projects, it's a real bargain."

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Passenger rail study supports Goldsboro route from Wilmington to Raleigh