RALEIGH -- Leaders broke ground Friday on the almost $80 million dollar Union Station passenger rail station project in downtown Raleigh. The building will include will be a modern design with a public plaza, and retail space with restaurants and shops.

Governor Pat McCrory was on hand for the ground breaking and says this will is a major step forward.

"This area now with this new Raleigh Union Station [is expected] to have vibrant new activity."

The new Union Station will replace the existing Amtrak station. In its place will be a modern design with a public plaza, and retail space with restaurants and shops. Completion is targeted for 2017.