Rail Realignment Project

Proposed bypass freight railroad route would improve public safety, regional transportation mobility, and freight rail operations. The city encourages the public to submit questions and comments.

The City of Wilmington, NC announced the release of the federally-approved Environmental Assessment for the Wilmington Rail Realignment Project, which would create a bypass railroad route between the Davis Yard in Navassa and the Port of Wilmington. The new route would enable the relocation of freight traffic by rail from the urban heart of the city, which would benefit public safety, regional transportation mobility, and the overall efficiency of local rail operations.

The comment period of the Environmental Assessment begins August 8, 2024, and runs through September 8, 2024, during which time the public can submit questions and comments. The Environmental Assessment is available for public review and comment here. Comments can also be emailed to the project team at kristen.zschomler@dot.gov or mailed to: Kristen Zschomler, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue Southeast, Washington, DC 20590.

Copies of the Environmental Assessment will be available for public review at the city’s administrative office (929 N Front Street), New Hanover County Public Library Main Branch (201 Chestnut Street), and the MLK Community Center (401 S 8th Street).

Following the comment period, the Federal Railroad Administration will determine if the project warrants a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). A FONSI is issued when environmental analysis and interagency review during the Environmental Assessment process find a project to have no significant impacts on the quality of the environment. The FONSI document reflects the Environmental Assessment with modifications which incorporate applicable comments and responses.

After the issuance of a FONSI, the city would explore funding options to advance the project’s final design, permit applications, and eventual construction.