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JAMESTOWN PEDESTRIAN RAILROAD UNDERPASS IS A PRODUCT OF A UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP

January 17, 2007

(Raleigh and Jamestown)—An underpass that will allow safe passage under the North Carolina Railroad in Jamestown, North Carolina, connecting the Guilford Technical Community College with the downtown area, is in the preliminary planning and design phase, according to Kathryn Billings, Manager for the Town of Jamestown, and Scott Saylor, President of the North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR). The project is a joint effort by both the town and the railroad and represents a unique partnership that could serve as a blueprint for safety and rail improvement projects between the NCRR and other communities. If a design is approved both parties will share the cost of the underpass, estimated to be in the million-dollar range. Initial design is being done by HNTB North Carolina, P.C. The design phase should be complete in approximately six months.

“The NCRR and the Town of Jamestown are moving to provide this safe crossing for pedestrians and bikers commuting to school, town shopping, recreation areas and neighborhoods,” Billings says. “Projects such as this help connect our town and make it more accessible, improving the quality of life here for our residents.”

The Town of Jamestown has installed more than four miles of sidewalks in the last eight years and has made the term “walkable community” a reality in Jamestown. A pedestrian tunnel will allow a safe route for students to walk connecting the town center to the community college, three schools, and the local YMCA.

“The underpass idea came about as plans progressed to double track the segment of the railroad that goes through Jamestown,” says Saylor. “Demand for rail service is at an all time high. This part of the NCRR carries more than 40 freight trains and 6 Amtrak trains daily. By adding the pedestrian underpass, we can make it easier and safer for people to get where they want to go in downtown Jamestown.”

The Town of Jamestown was settled in 1752 and chartered in 1816, making it one of the state’s most historic communities. Jamestown is rich in colonial history. After the railroad came to town, Jamestown became known as “New Jamestown” on the east side of Deep River and “Old Jamestown” on the west side of the river. The North Carolina Railroad Company owns and manages the 317-mile rail corridor extending from Morehead City to Charlotte. NCRR is the state’s oldest corporation and remains at the forefront of rail improvements and partnership development to promote jobs and rail-served industry across the state.