Gulfport-Hattiesburg rail connection to receive $20 million makeover
GULFPORT, Miss. — Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour announced Wednesday that the state received a $20 million federal grant to upgrade 67.5 miles of railroad track between Gulfport and to Hattiesburg.
The Kansas City Southern Railroad track can only accommodate 10 mph single stack freight traffic. The project will upgrade the existing line within the existing right of way to 49 mph double stack standards.
In Hattiesburg, the Kansas City Southern line meets with Norfolk Southern and Canadian National lines that connect to Chicago, Canada and the Northeast.
The improved rail infrastructure is critical to the Port of Gulfport’s restoration and expansion plan because container activity and new business opportunities are expected to significantly increase as the Port expands, Barbour said in a news release.
al.com
2/17/10
