Source: NC DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION, 8/8/19

Safety and rail operations will be improved along the intermodal rail corridor between the Port of Wilmington and Charlotte thanks to a grant awarded on June 11.

The Federal Railroad Administration awarded the N.C. Department of Transportation a $34.9 million grant as part of the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Grant Program. The grant goes toward improvements on part of CSX's freight intermodal network.

"It's essential to our state's economy that cargo can move efficiently from the ports to other areas within North Carolina, and beyond," said Jason Orthner, Director of NCDOT's Rail Division.

The project will enhance rail access to the Port of Wilmington through track, bridge, railroad crossing and signal improvements along with increased rail siding capacity (areas where trains can pass each other) in Polkton, Monroe and Waxhaw. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2022.

"The Piedmont Atlantic Intermodal Rail System project is key to improving rail fluidity to and from the Port of Wilmington and providing better access for North Carolina Ports' customers," said Paul J. Cozza, executive director of the North Carolina Ports Authority. "The project will provide North Carolina Ports with unprecedented rail access to the greater Charlotte region and the Southeast. This investment shows the importance of improving rail infrastructure in our state and the positive impact an improved rail corridor will have on freight movements across North Carolina."

The Wilmington area improvements will improve 23 crossings, two movable bridges, two fixed bridges, and two curves while also installing a train control signal system between Davis Yard and the Port. When the projects are complete, train speeds will increase from 10 miles per hour to 25 miles per hour, expediting train movements through Wilmington and lessening the impact of rail traffic on drivers.