NCDOT to fund 15 freight and crossing safety projects in 2015

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has programmed approximately $3.7 million to fund 15 projects across the state through the Freight Rail and Rail Crossing Safety Improvement program for Fiscal Year 2015.

 

The program utilizes dividends distributed to the state by the North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) to improve freight service and the safety of rail-highway crossings in the state.

“In addition to improving safety, these projects will support the use of the rail transportation in our state’s economic development and job creation efforts,” said NCDOT Rail Director Paul Worley.

The 2015 FRRCSI projects include $411,000 to fund two projects that will improve rail access for new and existing businesses and enhance the ability to move freight via the rail network; $2.83 million to fund 11 projects that will improve shortline railroads by adding capacity, increasing operating efficiency and enhancing safety on these critical rural development corridors and $500,000 to fund two projects which will modernize rail crossing signals.

“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. Together with NCDOT and our economic development partners, we want to work to promote rail improvements that lead to manufacturing and agricultural jobs for the people of our state.”

 

 

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