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RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Rail Division is investing almost $13 million to improve rail infrastructure on 11 short line freight railroads and to the state ports in Morehead City and Wilmington.

North Carolina and Virginia Railroad, based in Ahoskie, is among the grant recipients.

“The benefits these projects offer the statewide freight rail network can’t be overstated,” said Jason Orthner, NCDOT Rail Division director. “Together, NCDOT and our short line partners are increasing reliability and resiliency in freight rail operations, supporting North Carolina businesses and contributing to the state’s economic vitality.”

The state’s $12.9 million contribution is provided through the Freight Rail & Rail Crossing Safety Improvement (FRRCSI) program. The FRRCSI program was established in 2014 to support statewide freight rail infrastructure health, safety and performance while establishing partnerships to effectively meet the growing demand for rail service.

North Carolina and Virginia Railroad will receive $1,011,279 for track upgrades and rail corridor improvements in Bertie and Northampton counties.

The state’s contribution will match equal investments for each project from participating railroad companies and the North Carolina Ports Authority. A total of $25.8 million will be invested into the statewide freight rail network through these projects.

“This investment highlights our strong partnership with the state of North Carolina and our mutual dedication to enhancing the state’s transportation infrastructure,” said R. J. Corman Railroad Company president Ray Goss. “We are grateful to NCDOT for their unwavering support of our operations. With this funding and partnership, we remain committed to delivering exceptional rail services that contribute to the prosperity and development of the communities we serve.”

Combined, the projects will upgrade over 10 miles of railroad corridor, improve 16 railroad bridges, and enhance port rail operations, supporting the increase of freight rail traffic on the statewide railroad network.

“Whether upgrading mainline track or renewing bridge structures, the cooperation of NCDOT’s Rail Division continues to be instrumental in recognizing and supporting these projects which enable a safer and more efficient rail transportation network throughout North Carolina,” said Carl Hollowell, president of The Aberdeen & Rockfish Railroad.

Others receiving grants are:

Aberdeen Carolina and Western Railway: $177,450 for bridge improvements along the Piedmont and Sandhills divisions (Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, and Stanly counties).

Aberdeen & Rockfish Railroad: $723,130 for track upgrades on the Aberdeen district (Hoke County).

Alexander Railroad Company: $500,000 for track upgrades on the mainline rail corridor (Alexander County).

Alexander Railroad Company: $125,000 for track upgrades in the Statesville rail yard (Iredell County).

Atlantic Railways Company: $388,192 for track upgrades along the Badin subdivision (Stanly County).

Atlantic & Western Railway: $494,950 for corridor improvements and track upgrades to the Cumnock branch (Lee County).

Chesapeake & Albemarle Railroad: $607,735 for bridge improvements and track upgrades along the CA mainline (Camden, Pasquotank, Perquimans counties).

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: $2,080,364 for refurbishment and construction of new sidings, track upgrades, culvert and drainage upgrades and slope retaining wall construction (Jackson, Swain, Macon, Cherokee counties).

North Carolina Ports (Morehead City): $555,678 for upgrades to track, rail/highway crossings, and railcar switching operations (Carteret County).

North Carolina Ports (Wilmington): $3,891,020 for construction of rail storage track and raising adjoining track (New Hanover County).

Raleigh & Fayetteville Railroad: $999,586 for rail corridor improvements (Wake and Harnett counties).

Wilmington Terminal Railroad: $639,528 for track upgrades within the Wilmington port rail yard (New Hanover County).

Yadkin Valley Railroad: $750,130 for rail track upgrades and rail corridor improvements (Surry County).