Gov. Bev Perdue announced Tuesday that the North Carolina Department of Transportation reached an agreement with Norfolk Southern Railway Co., Amtrak and N.C. Railroad Co. that allows construction to begin on the state’s rail modernization program, bringing more than 4,000 jobs to the state in the short run and boosting economic activity over the longer term.
"Rail is a critical component in North Carolina's economic development infrastructure," Perdue said. "Improving speed and efficiency for both passenger and freight services demonstrates our commitment to the future."
The agreement, approved by the Federal Railroad Administration, triggers the release of $461 million in 100 percent federal funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which will pay for upgrades to tracks between Raleigh and Charlotte; bridges and crossing safety improvements; station expansions in four cities along that path; and construction of a maintenance facility in Charlotte.
The funding also will enable North Carolina to improve the speed and reliability of passenger service, add a fourth daily round trip between Charlotte and Raleigh in coming years and refurbish locomotives and railcars.
The state will proceed with 24 construction projects in 11 counties, ranging from adding double tracks between Charlotte and Greensboro to building a dozen new bridges to eliminate 30 at-grade highway crossings.
