The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Rail Division is investing $1.8 million as part of 50-50 matching grant funding to improve rail infrastructure on three short line railroads. This grant funding is in addition to $10.2 million in grants to 12 short line railroads, announced in December 2023 under the same program.

The state’s $1.8 million share for the rail projects is provided through the NCDOT’s Freight Rail & Rail Crossing Safety Improvement program. It will match equal investments from several railroad companies. 

“We value our continued partnership with the short line railroads of North Carolina,” said Jason Orthner, NCDOT Rail Director, in a press release. “These projects improve the safe and efficient transit of freight, while safeguarding the viability of our statewide freight rail network.”

The projects will improve three railroad bridges and 18 miles of railroad track improvements in North Carolina, supporting the increase of freight rail traffic on the statewide railroad network, and reducing highway traffic congestion by diverting freight to rail.

Each of the rail improvement projects will be paid for with 50-50 matching funds from the state and private railroad companies. 

Within GFBJ’s coverage area, Aberdeen Carolina and Western Railway is being awarded $762,148 in funding for track and bridge upgrades, and construction of rail sidings and transloading infrastructure along the Piedmont and Sandhills divisions (Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Moore and Stanly counties).

The Freight Rail and Rail Crossing Safety Improvement Program was established in 2013 by the N.C. General Assembly.