High Speed Rail Survey

Directions: Read the information presented first and then take the survey below. Only residents and business owners from within the Mordecai CAC boundaries are permitted to take the survey. Impacts are evaluated as a "worst case" scenario. Reference the map to clarify between CSX (NC1/NC2) and Norfolk Southern (NC3). To see a detailed map provided by the N&O click here.

If you have any questions please contact me at railroad@mordecaicac.org. I will also be happy to discuss anything via phone, just send me an email and I will be glad to discuss.

Some assumptions

• Up to 8 Passenger Trains per day
• Will incorporate "continuously welded rails" leading to decreased noise
• Existing noise and vibrations associated with current rail yards are more severe than passenger rail
• Both options will use existing rail way corridors and no direct impact on property values are anticipated
• The state of North Carolina has been awarded $545 million for rail projects, should Raleigh not spend it, it could go somewhere else in North Carolina

Facts

• The Transportation dept supports routing the rail through Norfolk Southern
• The Passenger Rail Task Force recommends routing the rail through Norfolk Southern.
• Trains will operate at approximately 45-60 MPH, probably closer to 45 in our area
• The cost is $45 million more for the Norfolk Southern Option
• Routing the train through the CSX corridor (NC1/NC2) has been originally planned since 2002
• Both Norfolk Southern and CSX wish not to have this routed through their yards since it could affect freight traffic
• We could expect trains to start rolling before 2020
• North Carolina is to receive $545 million in total funds for rail development and funds are from the Stimulus Package/Recovery Act

MCAC statement of position so far.

• Mordecai CAC desires High Speed Rail to grow our community
• Agree with the Passenger Rail Task Force Recommendations
• Mordecai CAC sees NC3 (Norfolk Southern) as a more economically viable alternative than the other options presented
• Because-
  • NC3 Offers more design options and flexibility for the proposed Raleigh Depot
  • More Dilapidated rail infrastructure in downtown will be improved including aging trusses
  • Less impact to the growing Glenwood south area
  • Is more compliant with the 2030 Comprehensive Plan
  • Potentially more construction related jobs in the Raleigh area
  • More of a direct route through downtown to the proposed rail depot
  • NC3 will push more money to the Raleigh area from the federal grant totaling $545 million
• We support those in opposition to routing the rail through their communities and understand their concerns
  • Those in opposition indicate that property values will be affected, noise levels will be excessive and that freight traffic will be affected
  • Should these or other concerns raised by the opposition be valid, Mordecai CAC residents share a similar concern.
• We expect that whichever route is chosen that:
  • Impact to existing neighborhoods should be minimized. Installation of sound abatement walls, pollution minimization controls, and or other such measures should be taken so as to limit this impact. These measures should be fully considered, planned in detail, and discussed with all concerned before any plan is finalized.
  • Property values should be protected and any degradation to quality of life in and around the affected areas should be kept to an absolute minimum. (Property devaluation can be aggravated by pollution including noise and light etc. and every effort needs to be made to minimize such impacts.)
  • Connectivity is a concern and efforts should be made to maintain the connectivity, not only between neighborhoods, but also between businesses and their customers.
  • Proper and thorough cost benefit analysis should be done on the areas affected by the proposed routes. We must ensure that due diligence has been done on any decision made and that efforts are made to create a win/win situation for all.
  • All economic benefits envisioned by this project must be considered in light of the long term economic impacts to the areas involved. (Here we are referring specifically to jobs and the future of downtown’s growth.)
  • Ensure that the transit needs of the community as a whole have been addressed and that the proposals put before the city council can be funded and that there is adequate ridership within our region.

We expect our elected leaders to select the most economically viable route that will benefit the future of Raleigh. We also expect that Raleigh leaders have confidence in their advisors and the information given to them.

Our community looks forward to the high speed rail system implementation and embraces the opportunities that it will provide for the future of our great city.

Survey