As the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Corridor I.D. program moves forward, potentially bringing passenger rail back to Asheville for the first time in 50 years, a newly finalized economic impact study has energized state rail advocates.
“The Western NC rail corridor presents a unique opportunity to strengthen regional connectivity, support local economies, and create a more resilient and dynamic transportation system for North Carolina,” NCDOT Rail Division director Jason Orthner said in a Feb. 4 news release on the study. “The interest this route is receiving underscores the opportunity to better connect Western North Carolina to the state’s existing intercity passenger rail network.”
While economic opportunities may be large, the history of passenger rail in WNC is complex. The new line, if funded, could be roughly a decade from completion. Here’s what to know about the effort to bring passenger rail back to Western North Carolina.
What’s the history of Asheville’s passenger rail line?
Passenger rail has not run to Asheville from central North Carolina for over 50 years. While freight rail has run from Salisbury through Asheville and north along the French Broad River through Marshall to Newport, Tennessee, efforts to restore passenger rail in the region have been underway in various forms since the 90s…