CSX revives plan for North Carolina intermodal hub

CSX Corp. will build an intermodal hub in North Carolina, but it will be a scaled down version of the plan the Class I announced two years ago.

Known as the Carolina Connector or CCX, the new "traditional intermodal site" will be built on the CSX mainline in Edgecombe County, North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) announced yesterday. CSX will run the facility.

NCDOT, which reached an agreement with CSX to build and operate the hub, will invest up to $118.1 million for site development and roadway construction, department officials said in a press release.

Once the contract is executed, site development work will begin, they said. The center is expected to be completed in 2020.

CSX originally intended to build a hub-and-spoke intermodal facility in the county, but put its plans on hold in November 2017 to reassess its long-term business model. NCDOT remained in contact with CSX to ensure the North Carolina would remain in consideration, department officials said.

The revised plan calls for a 330-acre site. Trucks will bring in cargo containers to a rail yard, where they'll be transferred to trains.

"This facility will make eastern North Carolina even more attractive to businesses looking to grow by offering a logistical solution to industry shipping challenges," said NCDOT Secretary Jim Trogdon.