Improvements Made to Two Rail Crossings in Wilmington

RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Transportation has made crossing safety improvements at two intersections in New Hanover County.

NCDOT has installed crossing signals, cantilever and long gates at the intersection of 16th Street (State Road 1218) and the CSX railroad tracks in Wilmington. The $172,566 project was paid for with 90 percent federal funds and 10 percent state funds from NCDOT. Up to four freight trains travel through the crossing daily at speeds up to 10 miles per hour.

Crossing signals, cantilevers and gates have also been installed at the intersection of 23rd Street (S.R. 1302) and the CSX tracks. The $175,897 project was paid for with 90 percent federal funds and 10 percent state funds from NCDOT. Between two and four freight trains use this crossing daily at speeds up to 20 mph.

CSX and NCDOT will split the cost to maintain the crossings at both intersections.

These New Hanover County projects are part of a comprehensive statewide program to enhance highway safety by adding or improving signals and gates at public railroad crossings. Mechanical warning devices are now in place at nearly 2,400 of North Carolina's 4,121 public at-grade crossings.

 ***NCDOT***

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