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 and North Carolina. 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 to and 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 service. This $700 million, multi-state, public-private initiative includes $31 million designated for projects in North Carolina. These projects include double stack clearing the CSX Transportation rail lines to the Port of Wilmington and the expansion of CSX’s Charlotte intermodal terminal. Funding for development will come from both public and private sources, with benefits of $8 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 also offers specific benefits to the people of North Carolina:

  • An expanded intermodal terminal in Charlotte
  • Expanded rail service for North Carolina markets
  • Enhanced freight rail transportation infrastructure to attract new business and jobs
  • Reduced highway congestion

More Rail Options:
The National Gateway will expand rail service to and through North Carolina, connecting the Port of Wilmington to Midwest and Western markets and providing North Carolina shippers and consumers expanded freight routing options. These new service options will make North Carolina more competitive in both the U.S. and the global marketplace.

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 an estimated 50,000 trucks off North Carolina’s highways each year. Any effort to shift freight from trucks to rail greatly improves safety and congestion.

Job Creation:
The intermodal terminal in Charlotte expanded as part of the National Gateway will bring new economic opportunities and thousands of jobs to the state.

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.