NCCU Station Added To Light Rail Transit Project

WASHINGTON, DC – The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has officially approved adding a station at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) as part of the Durham-Orange Light Rail Transit (D-O LRT) Project. The FTA’s action, known as the Amended Record of Decision follows a Supplemental Environmental Assessment and 30-day public comment period on the proposed extension.

“This is great news for our community. We sincerely appreciate the Federal Transit Administration’s support of this important addition to our critical infrastructure project in Durham and Orange counties,” said Durham Mayor William V. (Bill) Bell. “This extension will provide even more opportunities and direct access to jobs and education.”

In response to feedback received from public comment during the initial environmental document process, GoTriangle announced in September it would work with the FTA to evaluate the possibility of connecting the light rail line to NCCU, which enrolls 8,000 students. With the FTA’s approval, the D-O LRT line will now be 17.7 miles long and will support approximately 26,880 passenger trips per day by 2040, spanning from the UNC Hospitals Station in Chapel Hill to the NCCU Station in Durham, connecting three major universities.

“North Carolina Central University is pleased to join the Durham-Orange Light Rail Transit Project,” said Acting NCCU Chancellor and Provost, Dr. Johnson O. Akinleye. “We look forward to enhancing our partnerships with and connectivity between fellow educational institutions and the larger community.”

GoTriangle met with project stakeholders and held public information sessions throughout the development of the Supplemental Environmental Assessment, including: property owners, residents, business owners, and tenants in the area around the Alston Avenue Station, along South Alston Avenue, and the proposed NCCU Station; members of the historic preservation community; the pastor and leadership for Russell Memorial A.M.E. Church; NCCU administration, students, faculty and staff; public meetings with the elected officials for the City and County of Durham; the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization; and, the GoTriangle Board of Trustees.

The Durham-Orange Light Rail Transit Project is critical transportation infrastructure. It will connect to local and regional bus service enhancing mobility for more people, including those without access to a car; complement local land use plans to focus compact development; manage and channel future growth at light rail station areas, and support and promote economic development.

Read more about the Supplemental Environmental Assessment for the NCCU Station at http://ourtransitfuture.com/projects/durham-orange/refinements/.

GoTriangle offers safe, reliable, and easy-to-use travel choices including bus, bike, walking, carpool, and vanpool.

For more information, contact Mike Charbonneau at 919-485-7413 or Brad Schulz at 919-485-7434.