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RAIL RELOCATION FEASIBILITY STUDY RECOMMENDS
IMPROVING TRACK IN CURRENT LOCATION

March 23, 2007

Raleigh, N.C. — A study conducted at the request of the North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) has concluded that a relocation alternative for the section of track extending from Havelock to the Port at Morehead City is not economically feasible at this time. The study, conducted by Wilbur Smith Associates and Earth Tech, did identify several possible alternative routes and recommended one possible route that could generally follow the route of the proposed Highway 70 bypass corridor, should future rail traffic warrant relocation. “The study addressed the advantages, disadvantages, and costs of relocation compared to the existing operation, and concluded that the current rail infrastructure could accommodate traffic projections for the Morehead City Port for the foreseeable future,” says Scott Saylor, NCRR President. “Public comments mostly opposed relocation, and there were very few comments indicating that traffic inconveniences are a serious problem with the existing line in Morehead City. But if rail business were to increase significantly, there will need to be improvements to the existing line and that's something for which we will want to be prepared.”

NCRR will ask the North Carolina Department of Transportation to take the relocation study results into account in their pending feasibility study of the Northern Carteret Bypass.

The study concluded that the “improve existing” alternative might include improvements within the rail corridor, such as upgrading, consolidating or possibly closing some of the 53 grade crossings between Havelock and the Morehead City Port. Improving areas for switching train engines and cars might be considered if future demand warrants it. Once completed, planned improvements to the existing railroad bridge to Radio Island over the Newport River will also alleviate some train traffic congestion, according to the report. NCRR wants to thank those who provided input for this study, especially local leaders, airport management, the Department of Defense, the State Ports Authority, and the citizens of Carteret and Craven counties.

The North Carolina Railroad Company owns and manages the 317-mile rail corridor extending from Morehead City to Charlotte. The railroad carries 60-plus freight trains and eight passenger trains daily. It is the state’s most valuable transportation asset and a catalyst for economic development statewide.

Click here to read the executive summary