Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Walter Jones (NC-03) announced that a $967,375 Rail Line Relocation grant has been awarded to the Greenville CSX Yard Relocation project in downtown Greenville, North Carolina. This funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

“This project is a great example of all levels of government and the private sector working together to improve a community and I am proud to be able to announce the federal commitment to this project,” Rep. Jones said.

CSX currently operates a rail switching yard in the heart of Greenville. The switching operations that occur at this facility result in the blockage of three major thoroughfares (Pitt Street, Howell Street and Arlington Boulevard), causing excessive traffic congestion in the area. North Carolina Department of Transportation staff members indicate that blockages caused by certain trains can last up to three hours. These roadways are also the primary routes used by emergency vehicles to transport patients to and from the region’s medical facilities.

The Greenville CSX Yard Relocation project will relocate the CSX switching yard to a new location outside downtown, while simultaneously constructing a new wye connection to permit the easier flow of rail traffic. This project will cease the twice daily switching operations that block various at-grade crossings, often during the morning and afternoon peak traffic periods.

The funding secured today will greatly improve this situation, leading to greater roadway safety and drastic reductions in traffic congestion. The total cost of the project is approximately $9 million. Funding has been provided by the federal government, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the City of Greenville, and CSX.

Greenville Mayor Pat Dunn said: "This is terrific news for the City. We are grateful to Representative Jones and the City’s congressional delegation for their outstanding leadership and effective efforts in securing funding for the City’s top transportation priority. The switching yard relocation is an important project for Greenville that has been a priority for many years.”