Everyone loves the train! Hamlet use to be a major hub for passengers traveling by rail. By the year 2025, Hamlet could be reborn as a major passenger hub for high-speed trail service. Federal, State and local officials are supporting a proposed rail network of high-speed passenger trains.

This network, the Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor, would expand and connect Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina with Georgia and Florida. Hamlet could become a major hub along this expanded system. The North Carolina rail system would also be improved to join the existing NorthEastern corridor, better known as the Eastern Seaboard. The new and improved corridor would provide passenger trains capable of speed of 110 mph, and would serve more than 20 million people.

Rockingham could also benefit from the improved rail system. A proposed corridor linking Charlotte to Wilmington would run through Rockingham. Rockingham, being the central location for the route, could also become a passenger hub.

The revenue and employment possibilities are enormous. The rail system would be supported by local bus transportation systems. The economic impact that this rail system could provide for Richmond County is much needed.

The future looks bright for the County with highway and rail improvements planned for the near future.

Related Links:

North Carolina Passenger Rail Planning

11-30-98 GOVERNOR HUNT TO HOST HIGH SPEED RAIL CONFERENCE FOR SOUTHEAST

1-10-99 NCDOT to Host Transportation Summit

1-15-99 N.C. Leaders Talk Transit
 

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