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33 <br /> Draft 11-19-2013 <br /> Interstate Interchange <br /> The I-85/US 70 interchange is located within the north/central part of the Study Area. <br /> Because interchanges invite development and traffic, it is essential to have <br /> requirements in place that address issues of compatibility and function. Access <br /> management plans and regulations help to preserve the safety and efficiency of <br /> interchange areas as development occurs. <br /> NCDOT has long range plans to redesign the I-85/US 70 interchange and designed a <br /> concept plan for the redesign in 2009. The conceptual design will impact access <br /> management concepts for the Eno EDD area, particularly the potential location of <br /> frontage roads and the spacing of access points from interchange ramps. The redesign <br /> of the interchange is currently included with a multi-phase project for the widening of I- <br /> 85 from 1-40 to the Durham County line. The projects have been entered in the State's <br /> Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for implementation in the future <br /> developmental program (post 2020); however, the State's new project Strategic Mobility <br /> Formula prioritization process may allow the project to be funded sooner. <br /> The Eno EDD — NCDOT Draft Interchange Concept Map follows on page 22. <br /> Rail <br /> Although rail traffic has decreased considerably in North Carolina, the NCRR/Norfolk <br /> Southern (NS) Railway, which is the southerly boundary of the Study Area, is still used <br /> for general rail transport and intrastate commuter service provided by Amtrak. <br /> Additionally, there is a rail spur line to Chapel Hill in the western portion of the Study <br /> Area, east of University Station Road that is still used for deliveries to the UNC campus. <br /> There is also a rail spur that is in private use, east of Herman Church Road. <br /> The North Carolina Railroad's (NCRR) Long Range Capital Plan identifies a corridor <br /> beginning east of Old NC Highway 10 stretching until approximately University Station <br /> Road to be double tracked to increase freight capacities. This is currently an unfunded <br /> project. <br /> The Triangle Transit Authority (TTA) completed final plans for Phase 1 of its regional <br /> commuter rail service in the Triangle and attempted to procure Federal funding to <br /> implement Phase 1 service that would link Raleigh, Cary and Durham. However, due to <br /> changes in federal cost-effectiveness guidelines, the project has been shelved for the <br /> near future. At this time, the future of Triangle commuter rail service is uncertain due to <br /> funding considerations. <br /> Historically, University Station was located near the spur rail line that reaches to Chapel <br /> Hill. UNC students, faculty, and visitors would have used University Station in their <br /> travels to and from campus and other areas. If the Region pursues commuter rail in the <br /> future, the spur line to Chapel Hill would likely become an important connector within <br /> the rail network. Triangle Transit Authority has identified a recommended location for a <br /> future passenger rail stop within the Study Area (west of Greenbriar Drive). <br /> 211 Page <br />