The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) has greenlit an $8.4 million grant to Norfolk Southern’s McDonough infrastructure improvement project in Henry County. This initiative, which garnered full support from Henry County and the City of Locust Grove, marks the initial phase of Georgia DOT’s newly instated Georgia Freight Rail Program. It is the largest among a total of six grants.

Norfolk Southern Senior Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer Mike McClellan emphasized the significance of the funding, expressing, "This funding represents a springboard for growth for our Henry County operations, thanks to the invaluable support from Georgia DOT and local officials. It's a triple win: enhancing service for our local customers, improving mainline train access across our 22-state network, and easing congestion along the way. These infrastructure improvements will bolster our operational efficiency while driving economic growth across the region, promising enduring benefits for our communities."

The grant will contribute to funding a segment of Norfolk Southern's Atlanta South District passing track, a critical link between Macon and Atlanta in Henry County. The project aims to extend the current passing track at McDonough, doubling its current length, in turn enhancing track utilization efficiency and mitigating potential congestion at road crossings. This corridor serves as a vital connection between the Georgia Ports Authority Garden City Terminal and the Metro Atlanta area.

“Georgia DOT is excited to announce this first round of grants being made available under this new freight rail funding program and are pleased to award this grant to Norfolk Southern Corporation,” said Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell R. McMurry. “Georgia’s freight rail network is a key economic driver and a vital component of our overall transportation network. This project will provide many benefits to Henry County and the State.”

Established during Georgia's 2021 Legislative Session, the Georgia Freight Rail Program is designed to bolster the state's investment in freight rail for public benefit. Read the full announcement from Georgia DOT here.