The Ahoskie-based North Carolina and Virginia Railroad will receive $974,434 for rail upgrades, bridge improvements and crosstie upgrades.

The improvements will be made to rail infrastructure in Bertie and Northampton through the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Freight Rail and Rail Crossing Safety Improvement program.

NCVR is one of 13 short line railroads that will benefit from approximately $10.9 million in matching grant funds. The North Carolina Ports Authority will also receive funds.

The program supports rail infrastructure health, safety and performance throughout the state, enabling NCDOT to partner with rail companies on improvement projects to effectively move freight. 

This partnership helps railroads efficiently meet customer needs in cost-effective ways while preparing them for growing service demands and partnerships with new businesses and industries. 

The awarded grants are matched with railroad investments to contribute more than $21.7 million in rail infrastructure improvements statewide. Together, these projects will upgrade more than 12 miles of railroad track and 35 bridges in North Carolina. ‘

The other nearest short line railroad to benefit from the grant is the Carolina Coastal Railway which will receive $1,113,500 for mainline bridge and track improvements that include Martin, Nash and Wilson counties.

The Freight Rail and Rail Crossing Safety Improvement Program was established in 2013 by the General Assembly.​