The State of North Carolina has received $771,070 in funds from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to assist with the implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC) systems. The state will use the funds to equip five converted Cab Control Units with Interoperable Electronic Train Management Systems.
The grant will also pay for system tests on the Piedmont corridor or within any adjacent rail territory of the state’s rail partners, Norfolk Southern Corporation and Amtrak.
“The safe movement of passengers and freight on our rail system is our top priority,” said North Carolina Transportation Secretary Nick Tennyson. “These funds will help us ensure that we have the technology to prevent crashes and save lives.”
North Carolina is one of only six states to receive funds from the FRA to assist with the implementation of PTC systems. PTC uses global positioning systems to prevent collisions, derailments, incursions into work zones, and trains going onto the wrong tracks. Congress has extended the deadline to comply with PTC requirements until December 2018.
“North Carolina has been on the leading edge of efforts to achieve compliance with federal mandates,” remarked Paul Worley, North Carolina State Rail director. “As new equipment comes online, this funding will help us enhance our state’s rail network and meet the goals outlined in Governor McCrory’s 25-Year Vision for transportation in North Carolina for improving passenger rail.”
North Carolina is also making additional investments in rail safety. A series of rail and highway construction projects known as the Piedmont Improvement Program is underway, which includes the construction of 12 bridges to separate traffic from trains, the elimination of more than two dozen railroad crossings and the addition of 31 miles of passing track.