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Evaluating the potential to transform 18 miles of unused rail line in Durham County into an iconic trail that celebrates history, preserves the environment, and enhances community well-being.
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, Triangle West Transportation Planning Organization (TWTPO), City of Durham Parks and Recreation, North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), and 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, Triangle West Transportation Planning Organization (TWTPO), City of Durham Parks and Recreation, North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), and 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.
To learn more about the project history, timeline, funding and other information, please see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
PROJECT UPDATE
Phase 1 Summary Presentation
View the presentation of community input and draft trail concepts presented at the April 7 Board of County Commissioners meeting. Visit the BOCC Agendas & Library for the meeting recording.
Interactive Survey Summary Tool
Explore community input and map comments from Phase 1 using our interactive tool.
Community Comments Spreadsheet
Read all original public comments (with personal information removed) for full transparency.
“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 highlight.
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.
"The Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail represents an incredible opportunity to bring people together, promote healthy outdoor activity, enhance our city’s vibrancy, connect to our unique history, provide an integral bicycle and pedestrian corridor for our City's active transportation network, and inspire pride in the unique character of Durham."
~ City of Durham Councilmember Rist
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, Triangle West Transportation Planning Organization (TWTPO), City of Durham Parks and Recreation, North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), and 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.
Person County Trail Feasibility Study
The proposed rail trail would ultimately establish a 26-mile trail network linking downtown Durham to Roxboro. See the Person County Trail Feasibility Study here.
To get updates about the Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail Plan, enter your name and email below.
Project Contacts:
David Miller
Transportation Planner
Triangle West Transportation Planning Organization (TWTPO)
(919) 503-4118
[email protected]
