North Carolina Railroad takes on drainage project in High Point

The North Carolina Railroad Co. and city of High Point have agreed to work together on $5.1 million worth of improvements to the railroad's corridor and drainage in the city's downtown.

The rail line through downtown High Point is located within a cut below street level and includes bridges crossing above the track. The company will partner with the city and Norfolk Southern Railway on improvements to the railroad slopes and the stormwater drainage on the streets adjacent to the railroad.

"These improvements will minimize future erosion and protect track structure, as well as improve the appearance of the slopes running through downtown — a win for everyone involved," said Scott Saylor, railroad president, in a press release.

The railroad will fund $3.6 million of the project's total cost. Construction is underway, with completion slated for mid-2018.

"More than forty Norfolk Southern freight trains and Amtrak trains run through High Point each day, moving North Carolina's economy via the North Carolina Railroad," said Saylor. "We are committed to working with community, state and business partners as we plan for long-term freight and passenger growth, and making investments to ensure our rail infrastructure will continue to meet the needs of business and industry."