Wilmington railroad projects receiving millions in grant funding

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Rail Division is investing $10.2 million as part of 50-50 matching grant funding for rail infrastructure projects along 10 short line railroads and at the North Carolina Ports.

The projects will improve 14 railroad bridges and 27 miles of railroad track in North Carolina, supporting the increase of freight rail traffic on the statewide railroad network, and reducing highway traffic congestion by diverting freight to rail.

“We are pleased to work with our short line railroad partners to improve the state’s critical freight rail network,” said Jason Orthner, NCDOT Rail director. “These projects are important investments to ensure our infrastructure can support growing transportation demands and economic development opportunities.”

North Carolina State Ports Authority – Wilmington Port is receiving $2,780,890 for construction of new tracks at the port.

Wilmington Terminal Railroad is getting $590,846 for track upgrades to the Dock Lead at the port.