P-5750: Polkton Rail Siding Extension - New Design Features
P-5750: Polkton Rail Siding Extension - New Design Features
The N.C. Department of Transportation Rail Division is performing planning studies and design work for the proposed Polkton Rail Siding Extension Project to evaluate additional proposed improvements including:
The closure of the Freedom Road at-grade rail crossing
Construction of a new bridge over the railroad to provide access to U.S. 74
Various improvements to N.C. 218 and U.S. 74
The proposed project will improve rail efficiency and increase capacity along the CSX SF-Line and Queen City Express route (between Wilmington and Charlotte) by reducing rail congestion associated with inadequate storage length in the Polkton area.
Vicinity Map
Project Update Video
Project Update
NCDOT Rail Division is currently preparing a supplement to the environmental document in coordination with the Federal Railroad Administration to address design changes.
The environmental document for the project (called a Categorical Exclusion) was previously completed in December 2020. After the design progressed, CSX Transportation provided additional design input concerning railroad safety operations of a section of the proposed rail siding near Peachland.
The existing railroad siding track is still proposed to be extended along the south side of the CSX SF-line, but now design modifications are needed to meet track storage capacity requirements so that the siding does not extend as close to Boston Avenue as originally planned.
Project Design
The proposed project will:
Extend siding track along the south side of the railroad, roughly located between Freedom Road and east of the bridge at Boston Avenue
Permanent closure of two existing rail crossings (Ross Wright Road and Freedom Road)
Construct a new two-lane roadway on new location from N.C. 218 to U.S. 74, just west of Martin Street (which will maintain access to U.S. 74)
Access along the existing N.C. 218 to and from Polkton will be maintained
Construct a new bridge that will carry the roadway over Peachland-Polkton Road and the railroad
Construct two new intersections that will provide access from the new roadway to Peachland-Polkton Road and to U.S. 74, near Horne Town Road
U.S. 74 will have a Reduced Conflict Intersection design for vehicles turning right-in/right-out
Reduced Conflict Intersection
The most commmon type of reduced conflict intersection design eliminates left turns from side roads onto busy main roads.
Raised medians direct traffic from the side road into turning right. When there is a safe opening in traffic, drivers enter the flow of traffic on the main route. To go the other direction, or cross the highway, they pull into a dedicated lane – typically less than 1,000 feet away – and make a U-turn. There might be a traffic signal at this location.
For more information on Reduced Conflict Intersections, view the video below or visit the NCDOT Reduced Conflict Intersection Webpage.
Project Maps
Download PDF of Map 1 - Rail Siding Extension
Download PDF of Map 2 - Additional Design Features
A video explaining how to read a public hearing or meeting map can be viewed below. The video contains information on colors used and symbology.
Project Funding
P-5750A- Ross Wright Road Rail Crossing Closure and Polkton Rail Siding Extension
P-5750B- Freedom Road Rail Crossing Closure and New Bridge/Roadway Over the Railroad
P-5750A & B | Estimated Amount* |
|---|---|
Project Development & Design | $1,600,000 |
P-5750A: Construction, Utilities, and Easements | $13,637,000 |
P-5750B: Construction, Utilities, and Right of Way | $16,380,000 |
Total Costs | $31,617,000 |
* Estimated costs are subject to change.
Project Timeline
Section A Milestone | Date* |
|---|---|
Environmental Document (Categorical Exclusion) - Download Here | December 2020 |
Right of Way | Summer 2023 |
Construction | Summer 2023 |
Section B Milestone | Date* |
|---|---|
Environmental Document (Categorical Exclusion) | January 2022 |
Right of Way | FY 2024 |
Construction | FY 2026 |
* Future dates are preliminary and subject to change
Project Comments
NCDOT accepts comments throughout all phases of project development.
The public is encouraged to leave comments using this website, email, or phone number:
Email: Polkton-Rail-Siding-Extension@publicinput.com
Phone Number: 984-205-6615 enter project code 9638
To be included in this portion of project development, comments should be submitted by May 9, 2023.
Title VI Feedback
To ensure we’re hearing from a broad set of voices, would you be willing to share (completely anonymously) some information about yourself?
If so, please click here: https://publicinput.com/NCDOT-Title-VI
Project Contact
Undrea Major
NCDOT Rail Division
Rail Project Manager
1553 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1553
Polkton-Rail-Siding-Extension@publicinput.com
984-205-6615 code 9638
Project Contact
Tristram Ford
RK&K
Consultant Project Manager
8601 Six Forks Road, Forum 1, Suite 700
Raleigh, NC 27615
Polkton-Rail-Siding-Extension@publicinput.com
984-205-6615 code 9638
RESOURCES FOR PROPERTY OWNERS
Although the N.C. Department of Transportation works to minimize the number of homes and businesses displaced by a road project, it is inevitable, in many cases, that a certain amount of private property is needed. The following information explains right of way acquisition and answers questions about the process.
Right-of-Way Brochure Single Page Layout Folleto del Proceso de Adquisición de Bienes Raíces
Right-of-Way Frequently Asked Questions
Right of way Acquisition Process Videos