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NCDOT outlines S-Line corridor plans, estimates Wake Forest–Henderson work will move forward after federal grants
Summary
NCDOT rail and mobility officials told the Henderson City Council the S-Line rail corridor’s missing Raleigh–Petersburg link is advancing, with corridor acquisition and surveys underway and federal grant opportunities targeted to fund Wake Forest–Henderson work in spring 2024; local Transit-Oriented Development aims to boost downtown vibrancy and housing diversity.
Jason Orthner, director of the N.C. Department of Transportation Rail Division, and Ryan Brumfield, director of NCDOT’s Integrated Mobility Division, briefed the Henderson City Council on Sept. 11 on the S-Line rail corridor and associated community planning.
Orthner said the corridor between Charlotte and Raleigh already sees heavy traffic and identified the Raleigh–Petersburg segment as a critical missing link. He said corridor acquisition and surveying are in progress and that federal grant funding to complete the Wake Forest–Henderson portion is expected to be awarded in spring 2024.
Brumfield described Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) work tied to the corridor. The TOD study frames project goals as improving mobility and access, increasing and diversifying housing, supporting downtown economic vibrancy and creating workforce opportunities while maintaining equitable access, he said. After public workshops and a survey, planners found local priorities include supporting small businesses, attracting jobs and creating a livelier downtown.
Councilmembers expressed support. Councilmember Coffey described the project as “one of the most exciting things to happen to the community,” and Councilmember Daeke said he appreciated the project leadership and expects the S-Line and concurrent street redesigns to improve traffic flow into downtown.
Orthner and Brumfield estimated the broader project timeline could reach completion around 2030, with near-term steps focusing on rail infrastructure design, mobility hub implementation and pursuing additional grants. More project details are available on NCDOT’s S-Line project page, according to the presenters.
The council did not take a vote on the presentation; no formal action was required at the meeting.
