Dimensions - Fall 2016 - 1

spotli g h t on t h e sta f f Elizabeth A. Smyre, PE Senior Planning Engineer With one of the fastest growing economies in the What was so engaging about this study was it nation, North Carolina recognizes that transportation involved a condition assessment of both the railroad infrastructure plays a significant factor in its economic and the surrounding roadway network, a site-suitability growth and overall quality of life. Guided by a new analysis of adjacent properties, and a review of potential 25-year vision for its transportation facilities, the state economic development opportunities. We also evaluated is focused on improving the safety and capacity of applicable military regulations to determine any its infrastructure, while leveraging opportunities for restrictions or liability concerns associated with the economic development. As an example, last year the private use of the military facility and to make sure state legislature directed the North Carolina Department commercial freight shipments could co-exist with of Transportation (NCDOT) to assess the feasibility of military operations. allowing commercial rail service along the existing The decision to allow commercial freight use of military railroad that extends from Marine Corps Base the railroad rests with Camp Lejeune, with significant Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Dewberry input from NCDOT, and local transportation and was a major part of the team contracted to complete the economic development officials. We worked closely feasibility study to determine the economic development with all of these stakeholders to provide a robust potential of the area and whether private commercial use analysis that would inform future agreements to allow of the line would interfere with military operations. for commercial use of a military asset. With the study Given the large areas of undeveloped land that now complete, NCDOT is working with Camp Lejeune surround the railroad, the addition of commercial and local officials on the agreement that would allow freight service represents a significant opportunity for commercial freight service on the Camp Lejeune prospective economic growth for the city of Jacksonville Railroad. This project embodied what I enjoy most about and the surrounding counties. The proposed service my field-navigating a variety of technical issues and provides a connection to a statewide Class I railroad, as stakeholder concerns to develop a transportation plan well as to the Port of Morehead City, making it a valuable that effectively addresses the project need. development tool. Fall 2016 1 http://www.dewberry.com/news/blog/post/blog/2016/03/31/standing-tall-in-the-harshest-environments

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Dimensions - Fall 2016