Salisbury is set to witness the historic rebirth of its beloved Salisbury Depot, moving from a relic of the past to the forefront of the city's transportation future. Mayor Tamara Sheffield has announced the joint effort with the Historic Salisbury Foundation (HSF) to revitalize the depot, bringing multimodal travel options to residents and visitors alike. The city will be purchasing the property from HSF for $3.5 million, in a bid to restore the depot to its original purpose as a passenger rail station, as reported by the City of Salisbury.
The project has garnered substantial financial backing, with an $11.7 million federal grant from the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program. These funds are earmarked for significant enhancements at the site, which include expanding the passenger waiting area and setting up a full-service transportation hub. The HSF and city leaders have come together, bearing in mind the growing need for improved access to trains, buses, bicycles, and rideshare opportunities to reduce car dependence. The CMAQ grant is split between $3.2 million for the site's refurbishment, and $8.5 million dedicated to the depot's renovation and acquisition costs, with the city contributing $320,000 from its general fund, and an additional $1.7 million in state fund matching through the Strategic Transportation Improvements Program (STIP).
This initiative forms part of a more extensive transportation strategy which includes Project P-5726, led by the NCDOT. This $16 million investment will create a second passenger platform and pedestrian underpass improving rail capacity and passenger safety. Salisbury's contribution of $780,000 towards this project, is also covered by grant funding. In addition, Salisbury has snagged a pivotal role as the municipal sponsor for the Western North Carolina Passenger Rail Restoration Project, a major regional venture aiming to re-establish rail service to Asheville. The City's involvement is projected to encourage local passenger boardings and connecting trip numbers into the hundreds of thousands by 2045.
Proceeds from the Depot sale allow the Historic Salisbury Foundation to channel funds into broader preservation campaigns within the city. Ed Norvell, HSF chair conveyed the significance of this transition, "We have proudly cared for the Depot for nearly 50 years," told Salisbury Post. "This transition allows the building to serve the public once again, and it gives us the resources to further invest in our community. It is a meaningful next step for both the Foundation and the community." The foundation will leverage the capital infusion to safeguard and enhance other historical properties, thereby reinforcing their role in conserving Salisbury's rich cultural and architectural fabric.
Plans for the future of the Depot include a restoration of the Grand Hall, into a public waiting space, and the expansion of both local and long-distance bus services. Improvements to pedestrian and bicycle pathways, as well as support for final-mile transport options such as Uber and Lyft, are also on the agenda. With planning and design already in the works, city officials promise to provide further updates as the project advances. Ultimately, these efforts are not just a nod to the past but a strategic investment in Salisbury's growth, enhancing livability and embracing its identity as a hub of mobility and connection.
