NEW HANOVER COUNTY — The United States Department of Transportation is giving the North Carolina State Ports Authority an $11 million boost in federal funds to relocate and enhance the Port of Wilmington’s North Gate.
NC Ports officials believe the project will reduce traffic congestion and truck delays at the nearby railway crossing. They argue the relocation will improve transportation logistics by moving the port entrance closer to the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and the national highway network.
“This project aligns with our long-term vision to provide safe and efficient access to the Port of Wilmington, ultimately enabling port growth while reducing bottlenecks and truck emissions,” Brian Clark, executive director of North Carolina State Ports Authority said in a press release Thursday. “The new port entrance will also allow our team to accommodate projected volume growth while laying a foundation for future expansion.”
The grant comes through USDOT’s Maritime Administration’s FY 2023 port infrastructure development program. It will also fund a badging office with electric vehicles charging infrastructure, a vehicle turnaround zone, and a truck queuing and cargo control area.
NC Ports anticipates improvements to South Front Street will complement the port relocation; in 2027 NCDOT will fund the expansion of the two lane roadway to four lanes and move the rail to reduce rail crossings.
The ports communications director Elly Cosgrove told Port City Daily environmental and design work on the project has commenced; it is funded by a grant from the Wilmington Urban Metropolitan Planning Organization.
Following signature of the U.S. DOT agreement, NC Ports expects construction to take approximately two years.
Cosgrove said the $10,950,805 grant will fund 38% of the $28,472,092 project. NC Ports will fund the remaining costs.
Tips or comments? Email journalist Peter Castagno at peter@localdailymedia.com.
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