North Carolina to receive more than $20 million for rail infrastructure and safety

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WWAY) — North Carolina will receive more than $20 million in federal funding for rail infrastructure and safety improvements, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced the Federal Railroad Administration is investing $2.3 billion in freight and passenger rail projects across 45 states and the District of Columbia through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grant Program.

North Carolina’s funding includes $19.9 million for the Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway Company to install about 30 miles of continuous welded rail, rehabilitate bridges and modernize railroad crossing signals in Montgomery and Stanly counties.

The city of Greensboro will receive $100,000 to support law enforcement patrols along a three-mile passenger and freight rail corridor where trespassing incidents have been recorded.

The federal funding is intended to improve rail infrastructure and safety. The FRA said the nationwide investments will support shortline railroads, improve operations and address safety concerns.

Duffy said the projects are part of the administration’s efforts to improve rail infrastructure and safety across the country.

The CRISI program received a record number of eligible applications during the latest funding cycle, according to the department.