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    Discover the 317-mile rail corridor that spans the state of North Carolina.

    See rail map
    NCRR Corridor

    Overview

    The railroad corridor is a rich asset, which we proudly protect and manage for the good of North Carolina’s citizens.

    The 317-mile rail spanning from Morehead City to Charlotte is a transformative stretch of land for the state of North Carolina. As the owners of this corridor, it is our mission to ensure it continues to bolster the economic landscape on a local, regional, and state level. In order to do this, we partner with those requiring access to it while maintaining its safety at the highest of levels.

    Learn how to gain access Learn about safety

    North Carolina
    Rail Map

    See all freight & passenger routes, intermodal terminals and logistic centers across North Carolina.

    Resources:

    Access the Corridor

    Apply for your right of entry permit through NCRR.

    Apply now

    Keeping the Corridor Safe

    NCRR prioritizes identifying risks, addressing vulnerabilities, and reducing safety hazards along North Carolina’s rail corridors.

    See all safety resources

    Common Accidents

    In the U.S., approximately every 2 hours a train collides with a person or a vehicle.

    Train Speed

    Trains cannot stop quickly enough to avoid a collision. It takes the average freight train traveling at 55 mph more than a mile—the length of 18 football fields—to stop.

    Train Weight

    The average locomotive weighs about 400,000 pounds (200 tons) and can weigh up to 600,000 pounds. This makes the weight ratio of a car to a train proportional to that of a soda can to a car.

    Train Width

    A train can extend 10 feet or more beyond the steel rail; always stay at least 100 feet from the rail.

    Crossing Signage

    All at-grade railroad crossings have a blue sign posted on each side of the crossing with a unique 7-digit number associated with that crossing.

    The sign identifies the railroad responsible for maintenance of the crossing, including an 800-number to call in case of an emergency.

    When an individual calls the toll-free number, they can provide the unique 7-digit number posted on the sign indicating the exact location of the problem or emergency.

    Crossing Awareness

    Only cross tracks at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings. Observe and obey all warning signs and signals.

    Always assume railroad tracks are in use, even if there are weeds or the track looks unused.

    Crossing Gates Safety

    Never drive around lowered gates—it’s illegal and deadly. If you suspect a signal is malfunctioning, call your local law enforcement agency.

    If your vehicle stalls on a crossing get out and clear away from the crossing. Call your local law enforcement agency for assistance.

    Train Awareness

    Freight trains do not travel at fixed times, and schedules for passenger trains change. Always expect a train at each road and rail intersection.

     

    Trespassing

    All train tracks are private property—trespassing is illegal and highly dangerous.

    Do not walk, run, cycle or operate all terrain vehicles (ATVs) on railroad tracks, bridges, or property or through tunnels.

    Investing in Rail Infrastructure

    We’re constantly making improvements and capital investments to the existing rail infrastructure.

    A critical role of the North Carolina Railroad Company is its longstanding infrastructure improvement program, including strategic investments in safety improvements, bridges, sidings, double tracking and additional infrastructure to attract business.

    The goal of this program is to expand rail access, improve safety and sustain rail projects. The following outline a few of NCRR’s completed infrastructure improvement projects over the past 20 years.

    117

    Completed projects since 2000

    17

    Completed capital improvement projects

    See all NCRR invests

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How can I find out where the NCRR corridor is?

    The North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) owns and manages the 317-mile rail corridor that stretches from Charlotte through the Triad and the Triangle to the Port in Morehead City. Click here for an interactive map of the North Carolina rail network.

    How do I apply for Right of Entry (ROE) application?

    A Right of Entry (ROE) is permission granted by an operating railroad for passage into a rail corridor. You must apply for a Right of Entry permit to obtain access to the rail corridor.

    I want to report a malfunction at a railroad crossing.

    For health or safety emergencies at a railroad crossing dial 911 first. If you are currently at the crossing, look for the blue sign on the crossing signal pole. This sign will give you the telephone number to call and the crossing number to provide. In North Carolina the crossing is most likely operated by Norfolk Southern (1-800-946-4744) or CSX (1-800-232-0144). Tell them the city and street name when you call if you do not have the crossing number.

    Does NCRR run the trains? Does NCRR have a rail yard?

    The North Carolina Railroad Company does not operate freight or passenger trains. Norfolk Southern operates the freight trains on the NCRR and Amtrak operates the passenger trains. The rail yards on the NCRR are also operated by Norfolk Southern.

    See all questions