
Raleigh to Wilmington Rail Service
Help Make the Dream a Reality
The last time passengers were transported by rail on the Wilmington to Raleigh route was in 1968

On an ominous night in March 1968, a sizeable crowd gathered to watch the “Palmetto” pull out of Wilmington, North Carolina, at 5:15 p.m. on the Seaboard Coast Line—headed to Rocky Mount and connecting to Raleigh. With this event, passenger trains from the former corporate home of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad were now history. But today, change is in the air.
The return of passenger rail started with a whisper. A 2005 N.C. Department of Transportation study laid out the case for its return, with the biggest missing link (other than the missing tracks from Castle Hayne to Wallace) being the funding needed to restore the trains.
But now, funding for this and six other passenger rail projects could be on its way. $500,000 in Federal dollars is now devoted to this project for assessment, and likely a great deal more—in the actual planning as more funds become allocated. The majority of the actual funding comes from the infrastructure law passed into law by Congress, and this funding is now being allocated—with North Carolina getting its share.
That starts with $1.09 billion to create a new high-speed rail route between Raleigh and Richmond, Virginia. It also includes $3.5 million to identify and develop seven different rail segments statewide, including Raleigh to Wilmington via Goldsboro, which could host up to three Amtrak trains daily. The project, as envisioned, has an estimated final bill of $810 million.
Also envisioned are creating several stops along the way to serve rural communities and Goldsboro.
According to the DOT, federal funding of greater than $100 million will eventually require a 20 percent match from state sources. Meanwhile, the 2005 Survey has been updated (see copy on this web page). Tracks must be restored between Castle Hayne and Wallace, bridges and trestles replaced, tracks upgraded, and agreements between CSX, Amtrak, and other entities worked out.
Support is needed to make passenger trains a reality over the next decade or sooner—from county boards, municipalities, members of Congress and U.S. Senators, state legislators, and the public sector. We need to ensure funding does not go elsewhere, as it needs to be applied to this project. To that end, Eastern Carolina Rail, a new non-profit organization, is spearheading the fight to return passenger rail to the coast, already making the merits of this project known and gaining support for it.
So, here is how you can provide support. First, put your name on file with others supporting the return of passenger rail from Raleigh to Wilmington. Next – call, write, or e-mail the public office holders listed HERE and request their support. Finally, make your feelings known to the NC Rail Division of the DOT and let them know what you think.
Let everyone know you will ride the train, whether for business or pleasure. Look at the Public Meetings section, and feel free to attend one in your area. Follow our efforts at Eastern Carolina Rail and volunteer to get involved. Thank You!
Steve Unger
Gene Merritt
Raleigh to Wilmington
Potential Passenger Rail Corridor
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You can personally endorse our effort and encourage your friends, relatives, and contacts to do the same. You can sign up for our email list HERE.
Email or contact federal, state, and local officials representing our proposed service area indicating your support of our effort and asking them to provide their leadership in helping secure the funds needed for the project.
Make financial contributions. We are a 501-C-3 non-profit corporation. Contributions to our organization are tax-deductible. As a volunteer organization, we don’t pay salaries but need money to promote the cause through advertising and promotion efforts. Send checks to Eastern Carolina Rail, Inc., PO Box 7051, Wilmington, NC 28406. Debit or credit card donations can be made by clicking the donate link below.

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