January 7th, 2003

North Carolina Railroad Company Announces $24.5 Million
Rail Infrastructure Capital Improvements

RALEIGH, NC—The North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) Board of Directors has approved three key projects that will result in the installation of continuous welded rail on the NCRR’s main line, provide approximately six miles of double track for increased capacity between Raleigh and Goldsboro, and electronically signalize the railroad between Raleigh and Goldsboro to improve speed and reliability and accommodate more freight and passenger trains. The funds for the three projects come from rent paid to NCRR by Norfolk Southern Railway Company for use of the NCRR line.

The rail replacement project will allow today’s heavier freight trains to move faster and more efficiently and promote better service in eastern North Carolina. The track and the signal projects will improve the railroad’s capacity to eventually carry commuter trains such as those being considered by Eastrans. The Centralized Traffic Control project will raise this part of the corridor to the same standard as that between Raleigh and Charlotte. NCRR has committed $24.5 million for these improvements.

“Infrastructure is expensive so we cannot move as quickly as we’d like, but we have a plan for upgrades that will give us a steady increase in rail speed and capacity,” says Scott Saylor, President of the North Carolina Railroad Company. “To help the state compete with other Atlantic Seaboard and southern states in recruiting new businesses and industries to replace the ones we’ve lost, we are improving the railroad.”

NCRR owns and manages the 317-mile rail corridor that extends across the state from Morehead City to Charlotte. The railroad carries more than 60 freight trains operated by Norfolk Southern and eight Amtrak passenger trains daily. The NCRR’s mission is to manage, improve and protect the state’s rail properties and corridors in a manner that will enhance freight and passenger service and promote economic development.

 

Contact: Kat Christian
Public Affairs Director
North Carolina Railroad Company
(919) 954-7601, Ext. 247