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45 <br /> ED UNC Campus to University Station <br /> Segment 1 anticipates future conversion of a portion of the J Branch (Co-Gen) rail corridor into a separated <br /> shared-use path linking UNC/central Chapel Hill to the University Station area. <br /> PROJECT OVERVIEW Relevant Community Needs: <br /> Location Safer route between campus and transit that <br /> Along the J Branch rail corridor serving UNC's avoids high-speed roads <br /> cogeneration plant, extending from campus • Direct access to jobs, classes, healthcare, and <br /> toward University Station; endpoints to be refined services <br /> by the ongoing feasibility study and coordination • All-ages facility with frequent access points <br /> with the railroad near neighborhoods <br /> • Potential mixed use node at terminus near Old <br /> Key Connections NC 10 <br /> • UNC academic/medical areas <br /> • Greene Tract Required Structures&Crossings: <br /> • Blackwood Station • At-grade road crossings and upgraded signals <br /> • Brumley Forest Nature Preserve • Short bridges/culverts at existing drainage <br /> • University Station structures <br /> • Chapel Hill & Carrboro trail systems • Signed neighborhood spur connections to <br /> reduce trespass pressure on rail property <br /> Total Length <br /> —10.8 miles (planning length) Potential Constructability Challenges: <br /> • Railroad ownership/operations and clearances <br /> Trail Type Narrow bench and embankment sections <br /> • Rail-to-trail shared-use path (paved, separated) needing walls or fencing <br /> and potential rail Hydrology at low points; coordinating with <br /> • 10 ft typical width UNC and NCRR on access control <br /> ALIGNMENT WITH ORANGE COUNTY STRATEGIC PLAN <br /> Environmental Protection ✓ Supports mode shift by replacing short vehicle trips <br /> & Climate Action with a fully separated rail-trail corridor <br /> Promotes daily walking/rolling access between <br /> Healthy Community ✓ UNC, neighborhoods, and transit <br /> Housing for All Indirect Benefit Improves non-auto access between student <br /> housing, neighborhoods,jobs, and services <br /> Provides a high-value, low-stress route connecting <br /> Multi-modal Transportation ✓ UNC transit, greenways, and regional paths <br /> Public Education/ ✓ Links UNC campuses with community destinations <br /> Learning Community through a safe, predictable corridor <br /> Diverse &Vibrant Economy ✓ Strengthens access to activity centers and supports <br /> local spending by trail users <br /> 42 Draft Orange County Trails Plan <br />