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Report raises questions about Duke's support of Durham light rail project

Duke's support for a proposed light rail project in Durham is absolutely essential because the university has to donate land, for the light rail to happen.

Posted Updated

By
Sarah Krueger
, WRAL reporter
Only two days out from a key deadline in the Durham-Orange light rail project, a new report highlights serious concerns from a key stakeholder that could put the whole project in jeopardy.

The report, released by GoTriangle, points the finger at Duke University, accusing its officials of being difficult to work with.

The report says Duke has cost taxpayers millions of dollars.

Duke's support for a proposed light rail project in Durham is absolutely essential because the university has to donate land for the light rail to happen.

So the information in a report about the program is very telling because it shows the immense challenges this project faces.

The report includes notes from various meetings between Duke and GoTriangle, indicating that the two entities have been working together for about 20 years on this effort.

During that time, Duke has raised a number of concerns, including about Duke Hospital, and the impact vibrations from the rail and its construction could have on patient safety.

At one meeting late last year, the report says Duke's executive vice president, when speaking about those vibrations, said he did not think they would be able to reach an acceptable solution.

GoTriangle has given Duke and all stakeholders until Feb. 28 to commit to the project.

But there are a couple other hold-outs, too.

The North Carolina Railroad and Norfolk Southern have yet to sign their agreements with GoTriangle.

WRAL News reached out to Duke for comment but they have not yet responded.

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