North Carolina DOT to upgrade CSX southeast rail line

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is soliciting public comments on proposed improvements to CSX tracks and crossings in two of the state's southeastern counties.

The $41.4 million project will be funded under NCDOT's State Transportation Improvement Program. Comments on the project will be accepted until March 10.

NCDOT plans to improve 13 miles of the CSX southeast rail line in Brunswick and New Hanover counties. Project improvements will extend from the CSX Davis Yard in Navassa to South Second Street in Wilmington, according to the NCDOT's website.

The project calls for tie and track rehabilitation, improvements to grade crossings and safety signaling, curve realignments and switch operations upgrades. In addition, the department will close three existing grade crossings and provide alternative access.

The project's primary purpose is to improve traffic flow and safety at grade crossings and to increase efficiency of rail service, NCDOT officials said on the website.

Construction is scheduled to begin in fiscal-year 2022-23.