National Gateway and West Virginia
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 through West Virginia. New terminal facilities in the Pittsburgh region will enhance West Virginia’s consumer options by augmenting the state’s ability to deliver manufactured goods to world markets.
This $700 million, multi-state, public-private initiative includes $52 million earmarked to improve clearances on CSXT’s rail line through West Virginia. 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. Funding for development will come from both public and private sources, with public 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 West Virginia:
- Expanded rail service from a new terminal
More Rail Options:
The National Gateway will expand rail service to and through West Virginia, connecting the state to major East Coast and Western markets via a new intermodal terminal near Pittsburgh, PA. These new service options will make West Virginia more competitive in both the U.S. and the global marketplace.
Highway Relief:
By creating an additional freight transportation option to hundreds of shippers, 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 52,000 trucks off West Virginia’s highways each year. Any effort to shift freight from trucks to rail greatly improves the environment, safety and congestion.
Job Creation:
The National Gateway will involve $52 million of construction work in West Virginia to improve vertical clearances on CSXT’s rail line through the eastern part of the state. This construction work will create jobs and economic stimulus for West Virginia companies.