Coastal Energy Transportation Study. Phase 3. Volume 3. Impacts of Increased Rail Traffic on Communities in Eastern North Carolina

摘要

This study estimates positive and negative impacts on communities in eastern North Carolina of increased rail traffic due to bulk commodity port development at Morehead City or Wilmington. Positive impacts include rail and port-related employment and payroll increases. Negative impacts focus on vehicle/train at-grade crossing conflicts (traffic delay, emergency vehicle delay, accidents, fuel use, and pollution). A 'case study' approach has been taken with 10 local communities providing data for analysis. Major commodity flows in the Wilmington rail corridor would have fewer vehicle/train impacts than rail traffic in the Morehead City corridor.