Why this moment matters for WNC
For the last three years, BRTA has said what many of us already believed: our Trail Towns could also be Rail Towns. Now, Western North Carolina is closer than it has been in 50 years.
Pictured: Beth Heile, Founder of BRTA and Mimi Phifer, Founder of Waiting for the Train
NCDOT has released its Draft Comprehensive State Rail Plan, and for the first time, it formally recognizes the Asheville–Salisbury corridor as a priority route—one that can reconnect the foothills and mountains to the rest of the state. All our trail towns (except Rhodhiss) sit along this line. This is our moment to ensure small towns are not passed by.
Public Input: A Critical Step for Trail Towns
NCDOT is accepting public comments through January 20, and BRTA has submitted a statement of support encouraging full stops or whistle stops in each of Burke County’s Trail Towns on the line.
Our message was clear:
*BRTA is leading a regional economic development effort to link nine municipalities with a 40-mile pedestrian trail.
*This work goes hand-in-hand with downtown revitalization, housing growth, small business support, and tourism development.
*Passenger rail amplifies all of that.
*Trains deliver visitors right into walkable towns—and directly onto trails, greenways, shops, and local restaurants.
*Rail also gives residents better access to jobs, healthcare, and education across the Salisbury–Asheville route.
In short: Trails build communities. Trains connect them. We believe both should work together for a stronger Western NC. If you want to add your voice, comments can be submitted at:
publicinput.com/nc-staterailplan
Why This Plan Is Different
In December 2023, the Federal Railroad Administration selected the Asheville–Salisbury route for the national Corridor Identification & Development (CID) Program, bringing $500,000 in federal support for early-stage planning.
That was exciting. Now, two years later, the momentum is real:
- Consultants are underway with Phase 1 scoping.
- The corridor is officially in the State Rail Plan.
- The next steps involve detailed planning and engineering.
- Local advocacy could determine which towns get stations or whistle stops.
For communities like ours, these decisions will set the course for the next 30 years of transportation and economic development.
Drinks at the Depot — March 18, 2026
BRTA is proud to once again serve on the planning committee for Drinks at the Depot, the region’s largest grassroots celebration of passenger rail advocacy.
This year will be our third year supporting the event, and BRTA is returning as a $500 Engine Sponsor to ensure Burke County remains at the forefront of this movement.
Drinks at the Depot has become so much more than an event—it is a rallying point for residents, business owners, trail users, planners, and community leaders who believe Western NC deserves modern, reliable train service.
Looking Ahead
BRTA will continue working closely with the Waiting for the Train nonprofit to ensure our Trail Towns don’t miss out on opportunities for stations or whistle stops. With Norfolk Southern passing through eight of our nine towns (and Rhodhiss with a potential spur connection), the possibility is real—and we intend to be prepared.
Thanks to everyone who has already submitted comments, shared posts, or encouraged neighbors to participate. Your voice matters. Your vision matters. And moments like this only move forward when communities speak up.
Here’s to trails, trains, and a more connected Western North Carolina.