The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) Rail Division recently awarded $16.3 million in Freight Rail & Rail Crossing Safety Improvement program grants to 12 short line railroads and one city.
The program supports the health, safety and performance of rail infrastructure and establishes partnerships to meet the growing demand for rail service. Railroad companies and the North Carolina Ports Authority match grants. This round invests $41.5 million in projects that will upgrade and improve more than 95 miles of railroad track and improve eight railroad bridges and culverts.
“These projects deliver significant benefits to North Carolina’s freight rail network,” Jason Orthner, Rail Division director, said. “By working closely with our railroad partners, we are strengthening reliability and resiliency, supporting businesses across the state, and reinforcing the rail infrastructure that drives North Carolina’s economy.”
Awardees include Aberdeen Carolina and Western Railway that was awarded $4.8 million for a project along the ACWR Piedmont Division.
“We are grateful to partner with the NCDOT on ACWR’s large-scale infrastructure project, which promotes safe and efficient freight movement in our region,” Anthony Menzies, Aberdeen Carolina and Western Railway CEO, said. “The combination of private and NCDOT funds also allowed us to leverage over $8.9 million in matching grants from the Federal Railroad Administration which will support economic development across the state.”