Background

The National Gateway project will improve the flow of rail traffic throughout the nation by increasing the use of double-stack trains, creating a more efficient rail route that links Mid-Atlantic ports with Midwestern markets.

Innovation and modernizations within the rail industry have made railroads the most efficient way to transport freight. Shipping by rail delivers benefits to both consumers and other businesses within the supply chain. Trains can move one ton of freight more than 450 miles on a single gallon of fuel and one train can carry the load of 280 trucks¹. Double-stack trains traveling along the National Gateway can deliver twice as many goods on one trip, resulting in improved efficiency and cost savings.

This award-winning public-private partnership will strengthen our nation’s economy and improve our environment through investment in freight rail infrastructure. The National Gateway will create over 50,000 jobs and is supported by a broad and diverse group of 336 public and private sector organizations and individuals, including Big Lots!, UPS and The Limited.

The National Gateway is expected to cost $850 million and the public funds committed to the project are matched by $575 million in private funding. Every dollar of public money invested in the National Gateway creates $36 in public benefits.

Learn more about the infrastructure updates supported by the National Gateway initiative:

About National Gateway

Industry-wide upgrades will enable the use of double-stacked trains, improving overall transportation efficiency.

Growing Demand

As a result of population growth and development, our nation has become increasingly reliant on rail and highway infrastructure to transport people and freight.

Removing Freight Bottlenecks

The National Gateway will benefit U.S. transportation infrastructure by clearing routes between the Mid Atlantic and Midwest.

Quick Facts

Learn more about the National Gateway.