NCRR commits more than $13 million in rail improvements

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
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NCRR will partner with Norfolk Southern to invest in further rehabilitation of the Trent River Swing Bridge as part of its recently approved economic development investment.
NCRR

The North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) is moving forward with more than $13 million in economic development investments across the state, which will expand rail access, improve safety and sustain rail projects spanning from Mecklenburg County northeast to Durham County and from Durham County southeast to Wake and Craven Counties.

 

Unanimously approved, these investments will ensure the benefits of a healthy rail line to industries and people from the piedmont down to the coast.

“Our mission is to enable freight to grow business, expand rail to move people and invest in North Carolina,” said NCRR President Scott Saylor. “We’re committed to working with local, state and private partners in planning for freight and passenger rail mobility now and in the future. 2015 will bring even more investment forward to attract much-needed capital intensive employers to our state.”

In 2013, the NCRR enhanced its commitment to economic development and progress across the state with the adoption of a new strategic plan, which focuses on job creation and retention.

“The strategic plan is a proactive roadmap that focuses on freight traffic, both on the corridor and off-line, to drive economic development and create jobs,” said Franklin Rouse, chairman of the NCRR Board of Directors.

“Access to rail-served sites attracts businesses like ours, helps us grow and creates jobs in our state,” said Argyle Campbell, chief executive officer of California-based Cambro Manufacturing. “We chose to expand our operations here in North Carolina for many reasons, but chief among them was a strong, efficient transportation system.”

Projects in Lenoir and Jones Counties will look to improve drainage systems around the railroad to mitigate risk and sustain the roadbed for heavier railcars. Approved budget is $174,000.

In Craven County, NCRR will partner with Norfolk Southern to invest in further rehabilitation of the Trent River Swing Bridge. The bridge enables key rail business to move from Cherry Point, Camp Lejeune, and the Port of Morehead City through the county. Approved budget: is $240,000.

NCRR is partnering with the city of High Point and Norfolk Southern to improve the slopes and drainage in the railroad corridor through the downtown High Point area. The project will also enhance the appearance of the area of the city that is home to the International Furniture Market while also improving the vital railroad mainline. Budget is not yet decided.

Discussions and negotiations for grade crossing improvement in Durham are also included in the board-approved investments. NCRR is working with the city officials and others to further develop plans to ensure pedestrian safety in Bull City. Approved budget is $200,000.

Investments in Cabarrus and Mecklenburg counties will improve lead tracks and sidings along the mainline to improve service for the approximately 2,000 annual carloads of freight handled for businesses in the area. Total cost is estimated at $5,350,000.

NCRR is working to partner with the town of Morrisville and other parties in the construction of a replacement for the Crabtree Creek Bridge, built in 1927, that will accommodate a pedestrian walkway. This will also provide for future two mainline railroad tracks that could possibly be required to maintain freight and passenger rail service. Budget is not yet decided.

Also included in the group of investments are the capital resources for an in-depth study into the infrastructure needs for future tracks for both freight and passenger trains across the line from Charlotte to Morehead City, including Concord, Kannapolis, Salisbury, Lexington, High Point, Greensboro, Selma, Goldsboro, Kinston, Newport and Morehead City. This project will work to identify significant infrastructure features and costs, provide guidance to North Carolina Department of Transportation, transit agencies and municipal governments planning construction projects, maximize the rail corridor for freight and passenger service.

 

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