The proposed Durham/Orange Light Rail Transit Project has been named one of the best transportation projects by the Sierra Club.

The Sierra Club released a new national report: “Smart Choices, Less Traffic: 50 Best and Worst Transportation Projects in the United States.” The light rail project planned between Durham and Chapel Hill was the only transportation project in North Carolina to receive the “best” designation.

“We are pleased that we have been recognized by the national Sierra Club as having one of the nation’s best projects, one that will provide more sustainable transportation options,” said Fred N. Day IV, chairman of Triangle Transit’s board of trustees. “We look forward to working with elected officials and the community to make the Durham/Orange Light Rail Transit Project a reality.” Triangle Transit is the local project sponsor.

The project will consist of a 17-mile light rail line running from East Durham to Chapel Hill. Voters in Durham and Orange counties have approved a one-half cent sales tax to fund the local share of the rail project along with bus improvements. More information about the project is available at ourtransitfuture.com.

The Sierra Club report also recognized efforts to build a commuter rail line between Durham and Southeast Wake County.

This is the 10th year the Sierra Club has identified the best and worst transportation projects across the nation and included projects in the works, ideas still on the books and recently-built projects. In preparing this year’s list, the Club reviewed transit, roads and bridges, freight, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure along with impacts on public health, air and water, and the climate.