Location & Transportation
Accessibility and transportation are major factors to consider when selecting an industrial site for economic development.
Highways and Interstates
Nash County is centrally located between New York and Florida, with easy access along the eastern seaboard by way of Interstate 95, US Highway 64, and US Highway 264. US Highway 64 (Future Interstate 87) has undergone improvements to interstate standards in an effort to increase accessibility to Norfolk, Virginia. This provides convenient access from Nash County to regions like the Research Triangle and major port cities.
Rail Service
The railroad system in Nash County plays an integral part in business development and accessibility for logistics companies that have chosen to locate here. Carolina Coastal Railway connects to CSX transportation lines and provides services to many businesses in the areas of Spring Hope, Nashville, Bailey, and Middlesex. CSX Transportation is a leading supplier of rail-based freight transportation in North America, and it connects Whitakers, Rocky Mount, and Sharpsburg with the rest of the East Coast. Amtrak services are also available along this rail with a passenger station located in the heart of Historic Downtown Rocky Mount.
The CSX Carolina Connector Intermodal Terminal (CCX) in Rocky Mount features three wide-span, zero emission electric cranes with a lift capacity of 110,000 containers per year. This state-of-the-art facility features completely automatic operations. Locating in Nash County in close proximity to this facility gives businesses access to over five million consumers within a 120-mile radius.
Air Service
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is located with an hour’s drive from most portions of Nash County. RDU offers over 400 flights daily on 9 different airlines, including domestic flights, international flights, and air freight service. Ranked by J. D. Power as a Top 5 Large Airport, RDU offers excellent travel options for business and leisure passengers.
Rocky Mount-Wilson Regional Airport (RWI) is located in Rocky Mount on NC Highway 97. The airport is only 5 miles from Interstate 95, and it features a 7,100-foot runway for private and commercial business airlines.
Major Ports
Nash County’s prime location along Interstate 95 and future Interstate 87 offers convenient access to three major seaports: Port of Norfolk, Port of Morehead City, and Port of Wilmington. All three ports provide full service deepwater port and marine terminal services, including container, bulk, and breakbulk operations.
