The Federal Railroad Administration has awarded $65 million to North Carolina’s S-Line project. The funding will help acquire the CSX-owned rail corridor and advance construction of the future passenger rail connection between Raleigh and Richmond.
The Raleigh-to-Richmond project will restore passenger rail service along the S-Line. NCDOT leads the project with the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority and Amtrak. Crews will build new and upgraded track, construct 11 grade separations, acquire right-of-way, and close several at-grade crossings between Raleigh and Wake Forest.
Construction is underway on the Durant Road grade separation in Raleigh. The project will improve safety and reduce delays for about 22,000 vehicles and four freight trains that use the crossing each day. Contractors are also building a second grade separation at New Hope Church Road.
The FRA previously awarded $57 million for the project. The latest funding comes through the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program. NCDOT expects to complete the first phase in October 2026 and open the overpass by the end of 2027. The broader project will support faster and more reliable passenger rail service between North Carolina and Virginia.