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Assessing the possibility of turning 18 miles of unused rail line in Durham County into an iconic trail that honors history, protects the environment, and supports community well-being.
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About
The Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail Plan is a community-driven initiative to assess the transformation of the existing 18-mile inactive rail corridor within Durham County into a multi-use trail. This proposed rail trail would ultimately establish a 26-mile trail network linking downtown Durham to Roxboro.
The project is a collaborative effort led by five key organizations: Durham County, the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHC-MPO), the City of Durham, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), and the East Coast Greenway Alliance.
Through robust public engagement and input, the planning study seeks to honor the area’s rich history while designing a distinctive rail trail experience that celebrates and protects the unique environment, heritage, and character of the corridor.
The project is a collaborative effort led by five key organizations: Durham County, the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHC-MPO), the City of Durham, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), and the East Coast Greenway Alliance.
Through robust public engagement and input, the planning study seeks to honor the area’s rich history while designing a distinctive rail trail experience that celebrates and protects the unique environment, heritage, and character of the corridor.
“The Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail Plan is about more than just a trail—it’s about bringing our community together, honoring Durham’s history, and building a lasting legacy for future generations.”
~ Durham County Commissioner Burton
Plan Goals
ASSETS
Conduct an inventory and assessment of the 18-mile inactive rail corridor, adjacent parcels, and potential trail linkages located within Durham County.
PARTNERS
Collaborate with government agencies, community leaders, and the public to identify and respect the distinctive features of the trail corridor, including community destinations and the historical, cultural, and environmental highlights.
CONNECTIVITY
Identify opportunities to link parks, schools, neighborhoods, and historic resources to the trail corridor and foster connections between communities via the rail trail.
UNITY
Seek extensive community input to create a trail experience that honors the area’s history, ensures accessibility for people of all ages and abilities, and enhances the quality of life of residents and visitors alike.
VISUAL
Develop a trail concept plan that captures community interest and inspires a shared vision by incorporating compelling renderings, site master plans, 3D illustrations, and other visual elements to clearly convey recommendations and ideas.
STRATEGY
Provide the project management team and their partners with clear strategies and a prioritization schedule for implementing the plan recommendations.
Plan Process
1) Research and Preliminary Analysis (October 2024 –March 2025)
This portion of the project is focused on identifying key opportunities and challenges, compiling a comprehensive database of existing corridor assets, and assessing current resources and infrastructure.
2) Trail Visioning and Public Engagement (January – April 2025)
Activities to engage the public, stakeholders, and government partners will be woven throughout the planning process. All public workshops will be advertised. Create promotional materials and use social media to encourage public participation in an online map-based survey. Develop a dedicated project website to serve as an information hub throughout the planning process.
3) Concept Plan and Public Engagement (April – August 2025)
Guided by the project management team, advisory committee, stakeholders, and community input, the consultant team will develop a framework outlining preliminary recommendations for the trail concept plan. Following this, the team will initiate a second round of focus group meetings and four public workshops to gather further feedback.
4) Final Plan Development (August – October 2025)
The final plan will include comprehensive recommendations, a detailed phasing schedule, planning-level cost estimates, and guidance on trail operations, maintenance, and security. It will be made publicly available on the project website.
Project Partners
Project Management Team:
Daily project oversight by representatives from Durham County, the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHC-MPO), the City of Durham, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), and the East Coast Greenway Alliance.
Project Advisory Committee:
Representatives from 12 community organizations and government agencies providing guidance and oversight on the historical, cultural, and environmental aspects of the rail trail plan.
Trail Identity Committee:
Representatives from nine community organizations and government agencies shaping a unique identity for the trail through a collaborative naming and logo design process.
Community Members:
Durham residents who participate in the planning process by taking the community survey, attending a public workshop or drop-in event, or provide feedback in other ways.
Project Contacts:
David Miller
Transportation Planner
Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHC-MPO)
(919) 503-4118
[email protected]
