North Carolina Railroad to construct new bridge over Crabtree Creek

The North Carolina Railroad (NCRR) and the town of Morrisville, N.C., will invest a total $6.9 million to replace the existing railroad bridge over Crabtree Creek.

The new bridge is part of a $13 million economic development investment package approved by the railroad's board last year. The package includes other projects in Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Durham and Craven counties.

The new structure will allow for a future second track that could be required to maintain freight service, as well as any future passenger rail. Additionally, the project features a pedestrian greenway to be installed under the bridge.

The existing bridge was built in 1927.

"These investments will not only secure the future of freight, but also provide a safe way for pedestrians to pass under the railroad in what is a constrained area," said NCRR President Scott Saylor in a press release.

The town will invest $1 million toward the project. NCRR will work on it with its freight partner Norfolk Southern Railway, NCRR officials said.