GoTriangle has included a tunnel solution in its new proposal to the Federal Transit Administration for the Durham and Orange County light-rail project in order to appease previously expressed concerns of project stakeholders regarding the project’s alignment.
Norfolk Southern, a freight railroad, has expressed concerns regarding rail operations with the light rail project and other stakeholders were concerned about closing a section of Blackwell Street to vehicles.
The proposed tunnel, which was presented to a group of downtown Durham stakeholders on Dec. 13, would include a light-rail station near DPAC, but it would keep Blackwell street open and eliminate interaction between railroads, car traffic and the light rail at street crossings in the corridor.
“We gathered fifty downtown stakeholders together… and there was strong support in the group for the tunnel taking the light rail under Blackwell and Mangum Streets. We’ll be incurring significant costs with this solution, but it will allow us to get the light rail built and that’s crucial for our region over the next 100 years,” says Durham Mayor Steve Schewel.
The tunnel would also minimize potential impacts to the historic Old Bull building and allow continued access for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians across Blackwell Street.
“I am excited that we have all come together - community stakeholders and GoTriangle staff- with a solution that addresses the needs for a vibrant downtown and ensures that we are moving forward with the successful implementation of the transformational Durham Orange Light Rail Project,” says Durham County Commissioner Chair Wendy Jacobs.
With consensus from downtown stakeholders, GoTriangle will now work with its partners to meet the environmental and railroad requirements necessary to confirm the tunnel is a viable option and to identify additional funding for this project change.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
