Where Were You?

The team conducting the J Branch feasibility study has held two of the three planned outreach meetings. Four people showed up for the first meeting and less than 15 for the second (although the second group was quite enthusiastic). Where were you?

The J Branch is the railroad corridor from NC10 down to the Cogen plant on Cameron Avenue. The feasibility study is “an early planning process to see whether a railroad corridor could be used for other or additional activities, such as walking and biking trails.”

The outreach meetings are collecting community input on 1) future uses of the corridor, 2) interesting/important locations along the corridor, and 3) rail trail opportunities.

Some of the discussions during these first two meetings included:

• whether or not the corridor should be used for light rail or a walking/biking trail

• accessibility

• branch trails off the corridor connecting to community hotspots like the BRT line, Carolina North, downtown Carrboro, etc.

• economic development opportunities such as food stands

• historic signage such as Blackwood Station and UNC student use during the 19th century

This study began in November 2025 and is scheduled to be completed by May 31, 2027. It will investigate the physical conditions (bridges, surfaces, drainage, etc), community interests and concerns, potential costs/funding opportunities, and future benefits (health, economic development, housing, transportation, etc.). The study will not make any construction decisions, acquire any private property, change current rail operations, or decide UNC’s energy planning.

You have one more opportunity to have your voice included in this process. The final outreach meeting is scheduled for Saturday, August 1 from 10:00 am to noon, at Morris Grove Elementary School on Eubanks Road.

For those who haven’t experienced a rails-to-trails trail, the American Tobacco Trail is one. You can explore other North Carolina trails here: https://www.traillink.com/state/nc-trails/. This should give you some great background to share on August 1. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend.

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