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  • Additional NS Track Capacity in NC

  • Discussion relating to the NS operations. Official web site can be found here: NSCORP.COM.
Discussion relating to the NS operations. Official web site can be found here: NSCORP.COM.
 #401982  by matthewsaggie
 
Cooperation here in NC for additional passenger and freight capicity.

From NCDOT Website:

News Release
Date: 5-01-07
NCDOT and NCRR Partner to Begin Track Restoration Work Between Greensboro and High Point

RALEIGH-- The N.C. Department of Transportation?s Rail Division and the North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) have partnered to invest $20 million to restore nine miles of track between Greensboro and High Point. Construction is expected to begin later this month.

NCDOT?s Rail Division will provide $16 million and NCRR will provide $4 million to restore a second main track between Greensboro and High Point that had previously been pulled up in the 1970?s. Restoring the track will help alleviate bottleneck delays created by the existing single track, improving freight rail capacity and passenger train reliability.

?This project will enhance both freight and passenger rail efficiency through North Carolina,? said Roberto Canales, NCDOT deputy secretary for transit. ?Our partnership with NCRR helps meet funding needs and we will continue to work together on other track improvement projects between Greensboro and Charlotte.?

?By choosing projects that provide the greatest benefits to passenger and freight rail service, NCRR and NCDOT are working together to preserve and develop the corridor as a unique transportation asset for the people of North Carolina,? said Scott Saylor, NCRR president. ?As the state continues to grow, it is critical that we add tracks so that we can accommodate existing industries and serve new businesses that are considering locating in North Carolina.?

The project will be completed in three phases, each three miles. Phase I will begin at Scientific Street in Jamestown and run to Hoskins Street in High Point. The train control signal system will also be improved. The entire project should take about 18 months to complete.

NCDOT?s Rail Division designed preliminary plans for the project with Norfolk Southern Railway providing final plans. NS will manage project construction with additional oversight by NCDOT.

During the construction period, visit NCDOT Rail Division?s bytrain.org Web site for project updates and passenger train service delays or interruptions.

***NCDOT***

Contacts:
Joan Bagherpour, 919-733-7245 x261
NCDOT Rail Division

Kat Christian, 919-954-7601 ext. 230
North Carolina Railroad Company

 #402158  by pumpers
 
$20 Million for 9 miles -- that's $2,222,222 per mile!!!
I thought a rule of thumb for new mainline tracks/grading/signals etc
was $1 Million per mile. This NC, a
relatively low-cost state, not New Jersey.

They must be padding the budget for something. Maybe they
are completely rebuilding the exisitng track as well.

Ideas?
JS

 #402279  by RichM
 
Probably includes a massive signal upgrade as well, to allow for bidirectional operation and higher speeds.

 #402406  by matthewsaggie
 
Signal upgrades are included. In a few places the remaining track has been shifted over the years more towards to the center of the R/W, espacially on fills, and will have to be shifted back. Not sure if there is much upgrade planned on the other track; its 79 mph track now.

I think your $1M/mile figure is pretty old- have you priced steel and construction supplies lately? Out of sight.