North Carolina Railroad Company rehabbing three bridges

Construction is wrapping up and kicking off to improve three railroad bridges in eastern North Carolina, all part of ongoing capital investment by the North Carolina Railroad Company. The repairs in New Bern and replacements in Kinston are being undertaken in partnership between NCRR and Norfolk Southern Railway Company. "Agricultural, chemical, and fuel business continues to grow in the east," said Scott Saylor, NCRR president. "We continue to invest in capital projects that will improve rail service for existing customers, attract new industries to create jobs, enhance the rail infrastructure and continue to serve our military bases. Our joint capital investments with Norfolk Southern foster economic growth along our rail line." The Kinston-based project, which is nearing completion, will rebuild two wooden trestle bridges over the Neuse River in Lenoir County and is a 50/50 cost share with Norfolk Southern Railway, totaling $8 million. In New Bern, repairs will soon start on the Trent River Bridge to encase steel piles, corroded by saltwater for more than 30 years in concrete. NCRR will invest $1.5 million in the project, also a 50/50 cost share with Norfolk Southern. "Preserving and improving infrastructure like rail bridges and trestles helps maintain or increase train speed and weight capacities," said Saylor. "Our investment of railroad revenues into capital projects keeps rail service safe, reliable and efficient. That's good for keeping businesses in our state and attracting new ones, at no cost to taxpayers." The North Carolina Railroad Company owns and manages the 317-mile rail corridor extending from the Morehead City Port to Charlotte. The railroad carries 50-60 freight trains and ten passenger trains daily. NCRR is the oldest private company in the state and remains at the forefront of rail improvements and partnership development to promote jobs and rail-served industry across the state. It touches nearly a quarter of the state's economy.