City in North Carolina to Introduce Second Train Platform and Facility Renovations Following the Acquisition of Historic Train Station
In the heart of North Carolina, the city of Salisbury is embarking on an exciting journey to revamp its historic train depot. The project aims to transform the depot into a modern multimodal transit hub, enhancing regional mobility and preserving the city's rich history.
The city's plans include purchasing the historic depot for $3.5 million, a significant portion of which is funded by an $11.7 million grant from the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program. The grant will cover $3.2 million for site improvements and $8.5 million for building renovations and the initial purchase. The Historic Salisbury Foundation, which owned the depot since 1985, will use the proceeds from the sale to expand preservation efforts in the area.
The restoration of the Salisbury Depot will see the Grand Hall being restored as a public waiting area, improving bus service, pedestrian and bicycle access, and last-mile options like rideshares. A North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) led $16 million project will also add a second rail platform and pedestrian underpass to improve capacity and safety. Salisbury will provide local matching funds for the project.
The expansion of the Salisbury Depot is part of a larger vision for expanded regional rail service, with a projected $665 million Asheville connector project in the works. This project remains in the early stages but forms part of the long-term vision for enhanced rail service incorporating Asheville.
City officials are enthusiastic about this long-term, visionary project, which aims to restore the depot’s historic transportation role while supporting Salisbury’s growth, accessibility, and historic preservation.
The Salisbury Depot, with its Spanish-mission design, decorative gargoyles, and intricate details, has already made a mark in Hollywood. It served as a shooting location for the movie "Leatherheads," directed and starring George Clooney, and George Clooney and Renee Zellweger, the movie's co-stars, visited the depot during the movie's publicity tour.
Salisbury is not only preserving its historic depot but also making additions to return it to its railroad focus. The city is a sponsor for the Western North Carolina Passenger Rail Restoration Project and is projected to support approximately 100,000 local passenger boardings and nearly 290,000 connecting trips annually.
The official transfer of ownership is expected within the next three months, marking a new chapter in the history of Salisbury's iconic train depot.
- The management team of Salisbury is aligning the renovation of the historic train depot with modern technology, aiming to establish it as a multimodal transportation hub.
- The finance industry is playing a crucial role in the revitalization of the Salisbury Depot, providing funds for site improvements, building renovations, and the initial purchase.
- Upon completion, the Salisbury Depot will offer improved rail services, with an additional rail platform and enhanced bus, pedestrian, and bicycle infrastructure, enhancing the transportation industry in the region.
