NCDOT awards grants to improve NC freight rail system
RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — The NC Department of Transportation’s Rail Division is investing $16.3 million to improve freight rail infrastructure on 12 short line railroads including the Wilmington Terminal Railroad.
The contribution is funded through the Freight Rail & Rail Crossing Safety Improvement program established in 2014 by the NC General Assembly.
Grants are matched by investments from participating railroad companies and the NC Ports Authority. These partnerships are putting $41.5 million into project to improve the freight train network.
In New Hanover County, the Wilmington Terminal Railroad will get $627,000 for rail and switch improvements along with mainline corridor.
The awarded projects and total contributions include:
- Aberdeen Carolina and Western Railway: $4,845,392 in funding for rail replacement and improvements along the ACWR Piedmont Division
- Aberdeen and Rockfish Railroad: $771,397 for track upgrades and continuity of service on the AR Mainline
- Alexander Railroad Company: $381,797 for track and corridor upgrades near the Alexander Industrial Park
- Alexander Railroad Company: $495,026 for track and grade-crossing upgrades on the mainline rail corridor
- Atlantic & Western Railway: $690,440 for corridor improvements and rail track upgrades on the Jonesboro branch
- Chesapeake & Albemarle Railroad: $712,801 for bridge and track improvements along the mainline corridor and Edenton siding
- Carolina Coastal Railway: $1,230,000 for rail and bridge improvements along the Belhaven and NS lines
- Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: $1,680,614 for track improvements and bridge repairs along the mainline corridor
- North Carolina Ports (Morehead City): $177,500 for rail scale installation at the Port of Morehead City
- North Carolina Ports (Morehead City): $844,860 for rail replacement and upgrades within the Port of Morehead City
- North Carolina and Virgina Railroad: $979,813 for rail replacement and improvements along the mainline corridor
- Raleigh & Fayetteville Railroad: $999,586 for rail corridor improvements to the NS and VF lines
- Winston-Salem Southbound Railroad: $1,112,500 for rail improvements along the W line
- Yadkin Valley Railroad: $754,700 for track upgrades and rail corridor improvements along the K and CF lines
The projects will upgrade and improve over 95 miles of railroad track and improve eight railroad bridges and culverts in North Carolina, supporting the increase of freight rail traffic on the statewide railroad network.
