The East Durham Rail Crossings Study, led by the Durham County Transportation Department, is a multi-year effort funded by a $1,220,000 grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). The purpose of the project is to improve safety, mobility, and connectivity for all users along the one-mile rail corridor crossing South Plum Street, South Driver Street, and Ellis Road through identification of roadway and rail corridor improvements that will provide safer options to cross over the railroad.  

An at-grade railroad crossing is where the roadway crosses the railroad tracks. Even with crossing arms present, at-grade crossings can present safety and mobility issues.

The study is funded by a grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Durham County was awarded $1,220,000 for the study through the FRA’s Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program. The project requires a 20 percent local match of $305,000, which is funded through the Durham County Transit Plan. The total cost of the study is $1,525,000.

The study will look at possible improvements to three railroad crossings: South Plum Street, South Driver Street, and Ellis Road. Options may include building a bridge or underpass to separate the road from the rail tracks, closing a crossing, adding new road connections, or making other safety upgrades. As these crossings are currently publicly accessible, all the possible options will be shared with the community for input through three phases of engagement to ensure the final plan reflects what the surrounding community would like to see in this area.

No, this is a study only and does not include construction. At the conclusion of the project, there will be a preferred alternative selected based on technical analysis, environmental review, and multiple phases of community and stakeholder engagement. Following the completion of the study, Durham County anticipates working with regional, state, and federal partners to pursue funding for the construction of the preferred alternative.

This study kicks off in late 2026 and is scheduled to be completed in mid-2029. Alternatives analysis is scheduled throughout 2027 and 2028. Any alternatives being considered will be presented to the public for feedback.

Rail operations in the project area are conducted by two operators: Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NS) and CSX Transportation (CSX). In the project area, the rail network is predominantly NS-controlled.  The primary east-west rail corridor is owned by the North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) and operated by NS through an exclusive freight trackage rights agreement.

This website will be updated regularly with information about the project and opportunities for input.