AGENDA ITEM EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
ITEM TITLE*
title
J Branch Rail Trail Feasibility Study Updates
presenter
RESPONSIBLE STAFF, TITLE, DEPARTMENT*
John Richardson, Community Sustainability Manager
Brennan Bouma, Sustainability Program Analyst
Bergen Watterson, Mobility and Greenways Manager
Ben Berolzheimer, Mobility and Greenways Planner
STAFF RECOMMENDATION*
Receive the attached update.
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BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT*
The Triangle West Transportation Planning Organization (TWTPO), the Town of Chapel Hill, the Town of Carrboro, Orange County, the North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR), and UNC Chapel Hill, are leading a regional feasibility study to examine potential future reuses of the J Branch rail corridor. The nearly 11-mile corridor runs from the UNC Cogeneration Facility on Cameron Avenue through downtown Carrboro and the western edge of Chapel Hill, through Blackwood Station, and terminates at the historic University Station site just south of I-85 in Orange County. Norfolk Southern currently operates along the rail line to deliver coal to the UNC Cogeneration Facility.
The purpose of the attached presentation is to provide an update on the study’s progress, and a summary of public input received during the first phase of engagement. The study will provide a vision for the corridor that includes high-level concepts for potential future uses. The study is anticipated to conclude by May 2027, at which time the governing bodies will consider adoption of the plan. For more information about the J Branch Rail Trail Feasibility Study, visit vhb.link/j-branch <https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/64f410e237de4b9ca77c963259e759f8>.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The total cost of the feasibility study is $500,000. TWTPO is providing $400,000 in federal funds (80%) and $100,000 is committed for the 20% local match as follows:
North Carolina Railroad Company: $50,000
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: $20,000
Town of Carrboro: $10,000
Town of Chapel Hill: $10,000
Orange County: $10,000
COMPLETE COMMUNITY CONNECTION
The J Branch Rail Trail Feasibility Study has connections to the following Complete Community framework elements: (1) Active Transportation Options, (2) Access to Parks and Green Space, (3) Indoor and Outdoor Recreation, Fitness and Play Facilities, (4) Walkable, (5) Oriented to Active Transportation and Transit, (6) Everywhere to Everywhere Greenways, and (7) Watersheds as Pedestrian and Cycling Connectors.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
This update includes information about the community engagement strategy for this project, which was reviewed by the Town’s Communications and Engagement staff and has been supported by Town staff when events are held in Chapel Hill.
ATTACHMENTS
September 2026 J Branch Rail Trail Study Update
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