NCDOT Invests $1.8M to Upgrade Rail Infrastructure Across NC

RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Rail Division has committed to enhancing the rail infrastructure through a $1.8 million investment. This initiative forms part of a 50-50 matching grant aimed at upgrading three short line railroads in North Carolina.

This latest funding complements the $10.2 million in grants allocated to 12 short line railroads announced in December 2023 under the same initiative.

The state’s contribution of $1.8 million for the rail projects is sourced from the NCDOT’s Freight Rail & Rail Crossing Safety Improvement program. This funding will be matched by investments from various railroad companies.

Jason Orthner, NCDOT Rail Director, emphasized the importance of these collaborations by stating, “We value our continued partnership with the short line railroads of North Carolina. These projects improve the safe and efficient transit of freight, while safeguarding the viability of our statewide freight rail network.”

The projects involve enhancements to three railroad bridges and the improvement of 18 miles of railroad track across North Carolina. These improvements aim to support increased freight rail traffic, thus reducing highway congestion by diverting freight to rail.

NCDOT’s Rail Division collaborates with railroad companies as part of the freight program to enhance the health, safety, and performance of the state’s freight rail infrastructure. This public-private partnership is designed to efficiently and cost-effectively manage the rising demand for rail services.

Each rail improvement project will receive 50-50 matching funds from the state and private railroad companies. The projects and corresponding state grant amounts include:

Aberdeen Carolina and Western Railway: $762,148 allocated for track and bridge upgrades, as well as the construction of rail sidings and transloading infrastructure in the Piedmont and Sandhills divisions (Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Moore, and Stanly counties).