The North Carolina Department of Transportation is investing $16.3 million from the Freight Rail & Rail Crossing Safety Improvement (FRRCSI) program to strengthen the state’s freight rail infrastructure. According to NCDOT, the funding will support improvements on 12 short line railroads and upgrades at the Port of Morehead City. The project will cover more than 95 miles of railroad track and include the reinforcement of eight railroad bridges and culverts across the state.
The NCDOT funding, provided through a program established in 2014, aims to strengthen the state’s rail infrastructure and support partnerships to meet growing demand for rail services. Jason Orthner, director of NCDOT’s Rail Division, noted that the projects are intended to enhance the reliability and resilience of North Carolina’s freight rail network, support statewide businesses, and reinforce rail infrastructure. The initiative is expected to increase the capacity for handling freight rail traffic across the state.
Matching contributions from railroad companies and the North Carolina Ports Authority have increased total funding for these infrastructure projects to $41.5 million. The Aberdeen Carolina and Western Railway will receive $4.8 million for rail replacement and improvements. According to Anthony Menzies, CEO of Aberdeen Carolina and Western Railway, the combination of private and NCDOT funds enabled the leverage of over $8.9 million in matching grants from the Federal Railroad Administration to support economic development across the state.
Additional railroad companies across North Carolina will receive funding for infrastructure projects, including rail replacements, bridge repairs, and grade-crossing upgrades. For example, the Carolina Coastal Railway has been allocated $1.23 million for improvements along its lines in multiple counties. The funding is intended to enhance portions of the rail network to maintain efficient and safe freight movement throughout the state.
For more information on the projects and funding allocations, North Carolina residents and other interested parties can follow NCDOT on Twitter/X and Instagram at @NC_By_Train or visit the NCDOT website.
