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The North Carolina Railroad Co. (NCRR) will conduct a study to determine if it should relocate a line that runs along the center of Highway 70 in Morehead City, N.C.

In the study, Wilbur Smith Associates and Earth Tech Inc. will analyze other potential routes to serve the Morehead City Port Terminal and area military bases, examine funding options and determine if the project would involve the North Carolina Department of Transportation. The study will be completed in early 2007.

NCRR officials commissioned the study because the North Carolina Ports Authority plans to expand a facility along the line, vehicular traffic is increasing on Highway 70 and the route has 53 grade crossings between Havelock and Morehead City. A relocated line would enable NCCR to operate longer and faster trains without impeding motorists.

NCRR owns and manages a 317-mile Morehead City-to-Charlotte corridor. The line averages more than 60 freight and eight passenger trains daily.