The National Gateway and North Carolina
The National Gateway proposes a state-of-the-art rail corridor linking the East Coast's international deepwater ports and major consumption markets with the population and manufacturing centers of the Midwest. With improved clearances, new terminals and greater capacity, the National Gateway will improve the flow of freight by rail, enhancing North Carolina's consumer options and augmenting the Port of Wilmington's ability to handle goods going to and coming from world markets.
While the route structure is already in place, the National Gateway will provide the necessary capacity, facilities, and equipment for highly efficient, environmentally-friendly advanced rail service. Funding for development will come from both public and private sources, with public benefits of $22 expected for every $1 of public money invested.
Expanding capacity on our nation's railways will bolster environmental health and promote economic growth. The National Gateway delivers nearly $550 million of public benefits to North Carolina by:
- Reducing CO2 emissions by over 780,000 tons
- Expanding rail market access potential for the State
- Enhancing rail transportation infrastructure, including an expanded intermodal terminal in Charlotte, attracting new business and jobs
- Reducing the State's highway congestion by shifting freight from over one million freight truck miles to rail, saving approximately $30 million in highway maintenance costs
- Saving approximately $140 million in logistics costs for the State
Job Creation:
Expansion of the Charlotte intermodal terminal as part of the
National Gateway will bring new economic opportunities and many
jobs to the State.
More Rail Options:
As part of the National Gateway project, a new Northwest Ohio
transfer yard will be constructed. That terminal, along with the
double-stack clearances, will improve existing intermodal service
and expand freight shipping options between North Carolina and
Midwest markets.
Highway Relief:
By creating an additional freight transportation option, the
National Gateway will reduce traffic congestion and lower highway
maintenance costs. One train can carry the load of more than 280
trucks, clearing space for over 1,100 cars. The National Gateway
will shift over 550 million freight truck miles from North
Carolina's highways to rail. Any effort to shift freight from
highways to railways greatly improves safety, the environment and
traffic.
Logistics Savings:
By expanding rail access and providing new shipping options, the
National Gateway is expected to reduce overall freight shipping
costs on goods entering and leaving North Carolina by approximately
$140 million.
Emission Reductions:
Over the first 30 years, the National Gateway will reduce CO2
emissions in North Carolina by over 780,000 tons. This is
approximately 5 percent of the total project reduction of almost 20
million tons. The National Gateway's environmental benefits in
North Carolina can be measured in a number of different ways:
- Reduces CO2 emissions by over 780,000 tons
- Reduces fuel consumption by almost 90 million gallons of gasoline
- Saves the equivalent emissions as taking over 140,000 cars off the road
- Eliminates the same amount of carbon sequestered by 20 million tree seedlings growing for 10 years
