The Cape Rear region is growing at a rapid pace and is home to one of the fastest-growing counties in North Carolina.
 
Global markets are beginning to recognize this growth and the opportunity it presents. Because of this growth, it is critically important that we consider the future of transportation in our region. It is imperative that through proper planning and open communication, infrastructure improvements keep pace with this growth so the Cape Fear Region can continue to compete with surrounding major markets.
 
Southeast North Carolina offers convenient access to the Port of Wilmington and the Wilmington International Airport. The region offers rail access via CSX and is conveniently connected to major highways including U.S. 421, I-40, I-95, I-85 and I-77. While this connectivity is an important asset, we must continue to work closely with our partners at the local and state levels to further improve critical arteries in our region, including the U.S. 74/76 corridor.
 
Locally, we must continue to advance improvements to key access roads into the Port of Wilmington, most importantly Front Street, Carolina Beach Road and Shipyard Boulevard, while options continue to advance for an improved Cape Fear River Crossing.
 
Additionally, we need to consider improvements to rail access in the Cape Fear region. Enhancements are already being made through a 2019 federal grant received by NCDOT that will introduce improvements to the current rail freight access through the city. The grant will help improve the safety and efficiency of the Queen City Express, our next-day intermodal service connecting Wilmington to Charlotte, as well as the movement of other freight moving into the port.
 
Further improvements, including advancing the Wilmington Rail Realignment project, will ensure our region is primed for additional cargo growth in the future.
 
Brian Clark is chief operating officer for the N.C. State Ports Authority, where he has worked since 2017. This year, Clark was named as the ports authority’s next executive director, replacing Paul Cozza, who is retiring at the end of the year.