The N.C. Department of Transportation's Rail Division is making substantial financial moves to bolster the state's infrastructure with a $1.8 million investment. This funding, destined to enhance rail infrastructure across three short line railroads, comes through the well-established Freight Rail & Rail Crossing Safety Improvement program, created in 2013 by the N.C. General Assembly. The grant disclosed in a recent press release from NCDOT coupled with equal financial commitments from the rail companies themselves, ensures a proactive approach to upgrading vital transportation conduits.
In December 2023, previous rounds of funding saw $10.2 million allocated to 12 short line railroads, signaling a consistent effort from the state to facilitate the growth and effectiveness of its freight rail system. Jason Orthner, NCDOT Rail Director, emphasized the value of the long-standing relationships with these short line railroads, stating, "We value our continued partnership with the short line railroads of North Carolina." He also highlighted the dual benefits of these upgrades, "these projects improve the safe and efficient transit of freight, while safeguarding the viability of our statewide freight rail network" according to the NCDOT press release.
The initiative, geared towards enhancing three railroad bridges and refurbishing 18 miles of track, is a strategic move aimed at incrementing freight rail traffic, and by extension, mitigating highway traffic congestion. Such a strategy falls in line with larger efforts to reduce traffic on the road by increasing the volume that can be transported via rail. Public-private partnerships, such as the ones executed through these programs, allow for a more efficacious and cost-effective meeting of burgeoning rail service demand.
The specific projects benefiting from the state’s contributions are arrayed to touch numerous counties within the state, spanning different railroad companies. The Aberdeen Carolina and Western Railway will receive $762,148, Alexander Railroad will be bolstered with $338,320, and RJ Corman Railroad Company is set to utilize $666,764. Each project's funds will be matched by the respective companies, in accordance, with the predetermined 50-50 split put forth as part of the program.
