Wake Forest Secures $13.2 Million Grant for Downtown Train Station

Wake Forest has been awarded a $13.2 million federal grant to build a downtown train station. The project aims to connect the town with Amtrak services within five years. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Federal Support Paves the Way for Wake Forest’s Train Station

Wake Forest’s new train station has gained momentum with the $13.2 million federal grant. Administered by the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT), this funding will finance initial project phases, including design and construction.

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The grant is part of a broader federal initiative to improve regional transit. The government has allocated $1.1 billion to upgrade the rail line between Raleigh and Wake Forest. Upgrades include new tracks, modern bridges, and the removal of at-grade crossings.

NCDOT plans to extend Piedmont service to Wake Forest by 2030. This extension is a significant step toward creating a passenger rail connection between Raleigh and Richmond.

Wake Forest Mobility Hub Will Transform Downtown

Wake Forest’s train station, referred to as a “mobility hub,” will enhance local transportation infrastructure. The station will be located downtown, at a site where the town’s historic train depot once stood.

Preliminary plans feature a modern two-story building with indoor and outdoor waiting areas. Additional amenities include restrooms, a cafe, and leasable spaces for businesses. A pedestrian bridge will provide safe access across the tracks, reducing downtown traffic congestion.

Federal Funding Ensures Project Progress

The mobility hub is projected to cost $60 million. The $13.2 million grant, paired with $3.3 million from the town, will cover initial development. NCDOT will assist Wake Forest in securing further federal funding but will not provide state money.

Wake Forest Mayor Vivian Jones expressed gratitude for this collaborative effort. “This grant secures critical funding for a hub where passengers can connect to transit, bikes, and ride-share services,” Jones stated.

While the station’s long-term goal is linking Raleigh and Richmond, extending Piedmont service is an important milestone. Currently, Amtrak’s Piedmont line operates four daily round trips between Raleigh and Charlotte. An additional round trip is planned in the near future.

Grant Aligns With Federal Infrastructure Goals

Wake Forest’s federal funding comes from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program. Established in 2009, this program prioritizes sustainable and equitable infrastructure development.

Supported by President Joe Biden’s 2021 infrastructure bill, the RAISE program has enabled significant advancements nationwide. Wake Forest’s train station project highlights how such funding can transform communities.

This new mobility hub will position Wake Forest as a key transit point in North Carolina’s growing rail network. By connecting regional and interstate travel, the project underscores the town’s commitment to modern transportation.

Source: www.masstransitmag.com

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