The North Carolina State Ports Authority will receive a nearly $11 million grant to support the relocation and optimization of the Port of Wilmington’s North Gate. The grant was awarded by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) through the Maritime Administration’s FY2023 Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP).
These funds will support NC Ports’ North Gate Relocation and Access Optimization project, which will move the North Gate port entrance to the designated truck route and away from neighborhood streets.
“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,” said Brian E. Clark, Executive Director, North Carolina State Ports Authority. “Our team is very appreciative of the strong support from our congressional delegation, especially Representative David Rouzer.”
Improvements to South Front Street, funded for construction in 2027 via the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), will complement this project by widening the roadway from two lanes to four lanes and relocating the rail to minimize rail crossings. Together, these projects will close the gap of the first and last mile to and from the Port of Wilmington.
“This project will greatly improve the port-user experience and the movement of goods for existing general cargo customers,” Clark said. “The new port entrance will also allow our team to accommodate projected volume growth while laying a foundation for future expansion.”
Plans also include the construction of a new badging office that will provide EV charging infrastructure, a truck queuing and cargo control area and a vehicle/ truck turnaround area.
The PIDP grant, totaling $10,950,805, will fund 38% of the $28,472,092 project. NC Ports will provide the remaining funds.
The North Gate Relocation and Access Optimization project has support from neighboring communities, transportation partners and NCDOT.
