Winston-Salem receives grant to identify potential new passenger rail route

The corridor to Raleigh could restore rail service in the Twin City.

train-station-brick-building-with-concrete-pillars

Union Station is a local historic landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places.

Photo courtesy of City of Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is one of five NC cities that will explore adding new passenger rail routes. The city received $500,000 in grant funding from the US Department of Transportation to start the process.

The city will develop a scope, schedule, and cost estimate of adding a corridor from the Twin City to Raleigh. Stops along the way would include Greensboro, Burlington, Durham, and Cary. Sen. Thom Tillis, who announced the funding this week, said the service would expand frequencies, improve reliability, and complement the existing Piedmont + Carolinian services.

Restoring passenger rail service has been on the radar for local officials for more than a decade. The last train left Union Station on June 15, 1970. The building, which was built in 1926 and is now owned by the city, was restored in 2019. It now houses the city’s transportation department. City leaders have expressed interest in returning rail services to the station.

More from WStoday
Whether you’re looking for something unique for your front porch or want to have some fun with your family, pumpkin patches and farms in the Winston-Salem area have plenty to offer.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
These personalities have gained recognition for their exceptional work and creations.
See how thoroughly you’ve been reading our newsletter with a 10-quest quiz about Winston-Salem’s biggest headlines.
From the Carolina Thunderbirds to Salem City FC, we’re sharing all details of Winston-Salem’s sports teams.
The historic building turns into a restaurant.
Sponsored
Editor Kellina trades her desk for a siren as she rides along with those who run toward danger.
Put on your Earth, Wind & Fire LP and take a trip down memory lane to see what was going on in the Twin City this September week throughout the years.
The new space will serve as a hub for community members to thrive in the arts while gaining more access to theatre resources.