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    Discover how adjacent property owners play in maintaining nearby rail corridors.

    More about adjacent property owners
    Tracks Overhead Photo

    Overview

    NCRR works closely with local city and county planning officials along the corridor to ensure the railroad boundaries are considered as communities grow.

    The North Carolina Railroad Company recognizes the importance of regulating and maintaining the 317-mile, 200-foot-wide corridor to ensure appropriate and safe use. At any time, additional tracks and infrastructure could be installed within the corridor to increase passenger and freight rail capacity.

    NCRR has a program in place to accommodate those who wish to access certain areas of the corridor for approved uses and the appropriate agreement.

    See all uses & considerations

    Approved Uses (with the appropriate license agreement)

    • Parking
    • Grass maintenance and beautification
    • Fencing
    • Existing structures
    • Temporary uses/Short-term access (e.g. utility installation and maintenance)
    • Crane Weathervaning

    Non-approved Uses (including, but not limited to)

    • New structures
    • Utilizing any portion of the railroad corridor to satisfy an ordinance, zoning or permitting requirement
    • Open Space
    • Building access
    • Fire code access

    Additional Considerations:

    • Use of the NCRR corridor must not be used to satisfy a zoning requirement under an ordinance, a specific development plan, special use permit or similar permission granted by a city or county (e.g. using the corridor to meet parking space requirements)
    • Site distance restrictions at grade crossings
    • No additional water or drainage may be allowed to be added to the corridor
    • Setbacks are preferred for structures adjacent to the corridor (determined by local planning department)
    • With the growth of North Carolina, NCRR has the potential to use the full extent of the railroad corridor

    Site Plan Review in coordination with local planning departments is necessary for any contemplated uses of the corridor. If you have questions regarding whether or not an existing use or structure falls within the corridor, or if you are contemplating building adjacent to the NCRR corridor and need to clarify boundaries, contact the North Carolina Railroad Company’s Corridor Management Department.

    Resources

    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

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