National Gateway and Ohio

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 Ohio’s consumer options and augmenting the Midwest’s ability to deliver manufactured goods to world markets.

This $700 million, multi-state, public-private initiative includes $130 million earmarked to build two terminals in Ohio. 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 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 Ohio:

  • A new terminal in North Baltimore and an expanded terminal in Columbus
  • Expanded rail service for Cincinnati market
  • Enhanced rail/transportation infrastructure to attract new business and jobs
  • Reduced highway congestion

More Rail Options:
The National Gateway will provide competitive intermodal service between East Coast ports and Midwest metro areas. The North Baltimore intermodal facility, for example, will expand freight shipping options to communities currently without access to rail service, particularly in Northwest Ohio.

Connecting Columbus:
The National Gateway will include a state-of-the-art intermodal terminal in Columbus. New intermodal service offerings will connect Columbus to important distribution, consumption and manufacturing markets, as well as strategic ports.

Connecting Cincinnati:
The National Gateway will expand rail service to and through Cincinnati, connecting the city to major East Coast and Western markets. These new service options will make Cincinnati 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 Ohio’s highways each year. Any effort to shift freight from trucks to rail greatly improves safety and congestion. In Ohio, the National Gateway will also provide relief for the Brent Spence Bridge, currently accommodating more than 155,000 daily vehicle crossings along the I-75 corridor.

Job Creation:
Two of the four terminals being constructed or expanded as part of the National Gateway initiative are located in Ohio: North Baltimore and Columbus. Between these two terminals and the resulting freight capacity, 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 Ohio.

More Efficient Movement:
The construction of new intermodal facilities in North Baltimore and Columbus will allow for the quick transfer of shipments to, from and between trains.