National Gateway Announces Completion of Carolina Corridor
Wilmington, NC December 7, 2009 The National Gateway today announced the completion of double stack clearances between the Port of Wilmington and Charlotte, North Carolina. The new, double-stack cleared section of track will link into an improved freight rail corridor designed to enhance the flow of goods throughout the nation.
"We are pleased to partner with CSX Transportation and the State Ports Authority to provide double-stack intermodal capability for our retail markets, said North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Secretary Eugene A. Conti, Jr. This is an important component of North Carolina's logistics plan, which will benefit regional businesses and the economy.
This newly double-stack cleared section of the network was funded through a partnership between CSX Transportation, the State of North Carolina, NCDOT and the North Carolina States Port Authority. Part of the National Gateway project, an $842 million, multi-state public-private infrastructure initiative which will create a highly efficient double stack rail corridor between Mid-Atlantic ports and Midwestern markets, the project will support the movement of double-stacked containers on rail cars by raising bridges, increasing tunnel clearances and building new terminals along existing rail corridors such as the Carolina Corridor.
When complete, the National Gateway will speed transit times between coastal ports and major population centers by 24 to 48 hours, reduce highway congestion and transportation emissions, and create over 50,000 job opportunities.
"The Port of Wilmington is looking forward to having full connectivity to the National Gateway initiative for intermodal service. We provide quick turnaround for unit trains with enhanced on-dock rail including a new 5,300-foot interchange track and modern reach stackers that are ideally suited to handle containers between the port terminal and intermodal rail network," said Glenn Carlson, vice president of business and economic development, North Carolina State Ports Authority.
The National Gateway is endorsed by an unprecedented coalition of over 130 supporters, including governors and regional officials across six states, more than three dozen members of Congress, three port authorities, and a large number of global shippers, ocean carriers, business organizations and environmental groups.
To learn more about the National Gateway, visit www.nationalgateway.org.
Contact:
National Gateway
Richard VanOrnum
617-752-1177