SALISBURY, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Transportation is exploring restoring passenger train service from Salisbury to Asheville.
According to an NCDOT study released in January, restoring rail service to western North Carolina could create 5,280 construction jobs and support more than 300 additional jobs each year. While the project is not yet funded, NCDOT officials expect the rail service to boost tourism to western North Carolina and connect the region with the state’s major cities.
“It puts a very successful mode that we’ve seen in North Carolina that allows folks to ride the train more than ever,” Jason Orthner, NCDOT’s Rail Division director, said. “It extends that to the critical communities in western North Carolina where transportation needs are going to continue to grow.”…