After a nearly two decade absence, passenger rail service may soon return to Western North Carolina. In January 1997, the North Carolina Department of Transportation's Rail Division explored reviving train travel between Salisbury and Asheville. Based on projections for costs, revenue, and ridership, the optimal route ran 139 miles along Norfolk Southern's S-Line, with potential stations in Statesville, Hickory, Morganton, Marion, Old Fort, and Black Mountain. Riders could connect to Amtrak's Piedmont or Carolinian trains at the Salisbury station.
Eager to make this vision a reality, local stakeholders established the Western North Carolina Rail Corridor Committee in 1999 to advocate for the proposed service. The NCDOT published an updated feasibility study in March 2001, detailing a phased rollout timeline and cost estimates. The first phase would introduce Amtrak Thruway bus service from Asheville to connect with Amtrak trains, finally reconnecting the region to the national rail network. The study also recommended adding a station in Valdese.
An April 2002 NCDOT report laid out plans for two daily round trips, with a morning and evening train in each direction. The estimated price tag for the required station, track, signal, and bridge upgrades to launch service stood at $134.7 million. With continued public and private support, Western North Carolinians may soon again enjoy the convenience of traveling their beautiful region by rail.
A 2015 Comprehensive State Rail Plan, estimated 24,000 riders were expected, at a cost of $405 million. With dated studies, the NCDOT called for an updated feasibility analysis. The route gained momentum when Amtrak spotlighted it in their 2021 "Amtrak Connects Us" vision. In 2023, a new NCDOT study projected costs at $665 million, with the potential for 100,000 local trips annually by 2045 if three daily round trips were offered. Connections via Carolinian and Piedmont trains could boost ridership to 290,000 for Western North Carolina. Capping off 2023, the Federal Railroad Administration tapped the Asheville-Salisbury route for up to $500,000 in federal funds through its Corridor Identification and Development Program, signaling confidence in its viability. With growing ridership projections and strategic federal backing, the Western North Carolina Passenger Rail Corridor appears to be gaining momentum.
For more information visit: https://www.amtrakconnectsus.com/maps/asheville-salisbury/