North Carolina rail infrastructure projects get $16.3M boost

North Carolina rail infrastructure projects will receive $16.3 million in state support for 15 upgrades through the NCDOT Rail Division Freight Rail & Rail Crossing Safety Improvement program, as reported by Trains.com. With matching funds from railroads and the N.C. Ports Authority, total project value is $41.5 million.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

North Carolina DOT rail funding package targets freight reliability

NCDOT Rail Division Director Jason Orthner said the projects are intended to strengthen North Carolina’s freight rail network by improving reliability and resiliency. In a press release, he said the effort is focused on reinforcing infrastructure that supports businesses across the state and the broader economy.

The work is being funded through the state’s Freight Rail & Rail Crossing Safety Improvement Program, which backs freight rail and rail-crossing safety investments. Recent grant rounds under the same umbrella have also been covered by Railway Supply.

Largest award goes to Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway

The largest share of the North Carolina DOT rail funding package went to the Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway, which is set to receive more than $4.845 million for rail replacement on its Piedmont Division. AC&W CEO Anthony Menzies said the work advances safe and efficient freight movement in the region.

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He also said the combination of private funding and NCDOT support helped the railroad secure more than $8.9 million in matching grants from the Federal Railroad Administration.

Scope of North Carolina rail infrastructure projects across the state

Beyond the AC&W award, state funding was distributed among multiple short lines and port rail assets. The Aberdeen & Rockfish Railroad will receive $711,397 for main-line track upgrades and service continuity in Hoke County.

Alexander Railroad Co. was awarded $495,026 for track and grade-crossing upgrades on its main line in Iredell County, plus $381,797 for track and corridor improvements near the Alexander Industrial Park. Atlantic & Western Railway is slated for $690,440 for corridor improvements and track upgrades on its Jonesboro Branch in Lee County.

The Chesapeake & Albemarle Railroad will receive $712,801 for track and bridge improvements in Camden, Pasquotank, Perquimans, and Chowan counties on its main line and the Edenton siding. Carolina Coastal Railway was awarded $1.23 million for rail and bridge improvements along its Belhaven and NS lines in Beauford, Greene, Washington, and Wilson counties.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is scheduled for $1.68 million for track improvements and bridge repairs along its main line in Jackson, Swain, Macon, and Cherokee counties.

At North Carolina Ports, Morehead City, $844,860 is allocated for rail replacements and improvements within the port, and $177,500 is set aside for installation of a rail scale.

The North Carolina & Virginia Railroad will receive $979,813 for mainline rail replacements and improvements in Northampton County. Raleigh & Fayetteville Railroad is slated for $999,586 for improvements to its NS and VF lines in Wake and Harnett counties.

Winston-Salem Southbound Railroad will receive $1.11 million for rail improvements along its W Line in Davidson County, while the Wilmington Terminal Railroad was awarded $627,000 for rail and switch improvements along its main line in New Hanover County. Yadkin Valley Railroad is set to receive $754,700 for track upgrades and rail corridor improvements along its K and CF lines in Yadkin, Surry, and Stokes counties.

Altogether, the 15 projects will provide improvements to more than 95 miles of track and improve eight bridges and culverts.

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