How an industrial building that was sitting vacant became the new Raleigh Union Station

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Monday, April 30, 2018
Raleigh Union Station dedication
The new station replaces the old Amtrak Station on Cabarrus Street.

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- You've heard about it. You've seen the construction. Now, as we're approaching the Grand Opening, you may have some questions about the Raleigh Union Station.

Where is it located?

510 West Martin Street in Raleigh.

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When will it be fully operational?
Expected to be fully operational in June 2018.

SNEAK PEEK: Take a look inside the new Raleigh Union Station

What about the Amtrak station on Cabarrus Street?
The new station replaces the old Amtrak Station on Cabarrus Street. That building's size and location cannot accommodate current ridership demand or expected growth. The project reused an industrial building that had been vacant since 2005. The 26,000 square foot building provides 9,200 square feet of passenger areas, more than five times the space of the former station.

WATCH: VIDEO FROM DRONE 11

Take a look at the new Raleigh Union Station from the view of Drone11.

How is it being funded?
Funding for Phase I is made possible through the United States Department of Transportation's program-Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery Grants (TIGER 2012 and TIGER 2013); an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant; and state and City contributions. The City's CMAR contract value is approximately $61 million of the total funding.

Where do the trains go?
Beginning in June 2018, Amtrak and NCDOT will offer four daily round trips between Raleigh Union Station and Charlotte. The new station also serves Amtrak's long-distance Silver Star passenger train, providing service to the Northeast and Florida.

What about buses?

That will come at a later date.

TAKE A LOOK AT PHOTOS TAKEN DURING CONSTRUCTION BELOW

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The Raleigh Union Station project is a facility planned for Downtown Raleigh’s Warehouse District. The project is in Phase I construction.
City of Raleigh

What is the layout of Raleigh Union Station?

Credit: City of Raleigh