North Carolina Invests $16.3 Million in Freight Rail Infrastructure

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is embarking on a significant investment initiative aimed at enhancing freight infrastructure throughout the state. With a budget allocation of $16.3 million, this move will impact 12 short-line railroads and significantly benefit the Port of Morehead City.

Project Overview

As per NCDOT’s announcement, the funding will facilitate upgrades on over 95 miles of track, along with improvements to eight crucial bridges and culverts. This initiative aims to optimize freight movement while ensuring reliable rail service for businesses that rely on it.

“These projects deliver significant benefits to North Carolina’s freight rail network,”

Orthner emphasized that by collaborating with railroad partners, the initiative would not only enhance reliability but also strengthen the overall resiliency of the freight rail system, thus supporting local businesses and boosting the state’s economy.

Funding Sources

This initiative is funded through the Freight Rail & Rail Crossing Safety Improvement program, established by the General Assembly in 2014. NCDOT’s $16.3 million investment will be matched by rail companies and the N.C. Ports Authority, culminating in a total commitment of $41.5 million. Additionally, several projects are benefitting from federal funding.

Major Grants Awarded

The most substantial funding award was allocated to the Aberdeen Carolina and Western Railway, which received nearly $4.9 million dedicated to replacing tracks and making improvements in its Piedmont Division, covering Cabarrus and Mecklenburg counties.

“We are grateful to partner with the NCDOT on ACWR’s large-scale infrastructure project, which promotes safe and efficient freight movement in our region,”

Statewide Impact

The projects are diverse, located across the state from the mountains to the coast, and focus on various improvements including rail replacements, bridge repairs, and corridor upgrades. Notable allocations include:

• Aberdeen Carolina and Western Railway: $4.85 million for rail replacements and upgrades in Cabarrus and Mecklenburg counties.
• Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: $1.68 million for track improvements and bridge repairs across Jackson, Swain, Macon, and Cherokee counties.
• Carolina Coastal Railway: $1.23 million for rail and bridge improvements in Beaufort, Greene, Washington, and Wilson counties.
• Winston-Salem Southbound Railroad: $1.11 million for rail enhancements in Davidson County.
• Raleigh & Fayetteville Railroad: Nearly $1 million for corridor enhancements in Wake and Harnett counties.
• North Carolina and Virginia Railroad: $979,813 for rail replacement along the mainline corridor in Northampton County.
• Chesapeake & Albemarle Railroad: $712,801 for bridge and track improvements across four northeastern counties.
• Yadkin Valley Railroad: $754,700 for track upgrades in Yadkin, Surry, and Stokes counties.

Improvements at the Port of Morehead City

At the Port of Morehead City, over $1 million is designated for the installation of a rail scale, along with the replacement and upgrade of rail infrastructure within the port. This will significantly enhance the flow of freight between ships, trains, and trucks, thus supporting logistical efficiency.

Overall, this investment signifies a robust commitment by NCDOT to bolster North Carolina’s freight rail network, encouraging economic growth and enhancing transportation efficiency throughout the state.