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Strategic Location & Transportation Access
Where Accessibility Fuels Possibility
Located in heart of eastern North Carolina, the County offers exceptional access to major highways, airports, rail lines, and coastal ports. This strong transportation network supports business growth, tourism, and everyday mobility while maintaining the region’s welcoming small-town charm and sense of community. With seamless connections by road, air, rail, and sea, the County makes it easy to travel, ship, and stay connected. This accessibility strengthens the local economy and improves quality of life for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.
Highways That Drive Growth and Opportunity
The County’s expanding highway system connects eastern North Carolina to major business, industry, and travel destinations across the state and beyond. A key feature is the newly designated Interstate 587 corridor, which replaced the former U.S. 264 freeway between I-95 in Wilson County and the NC 11/U.S. 264 interchange near Greenville. This upgrade provides faster, safer travel to Raleigh, the Research Triangle, and key East Coast markets.
Recent transportation investments, including upgrades along NC 11 and new bypass routes around Greenville and Ayden, continue to improve regional mobility for freight, commuters, and visitors while supporting business and industrial development throughout the County.
These highway connections extend in every direction. To the east, U.S. 264 and U.S. 17 link Greenville and Washington, providing access to New Bern, the Crystal Coast, and the Outer Banks. To the south, U.S. 17 continues toward Wilmington and coastal ports. Northward, U.S. 13 and U.S. 258 offer routes to Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads, connecting local industries to major shipping, military, and logistics centers. These corridors make it easy to reach both inland and coastal destinations within a few hours of travel.
Learn More About Interstate 587 and North Carolina Highway Connections Now
Air Travel That Keeps You Connected
The Pitt–Greenville Airport (PGV) provides convenient regional jet service to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), offering direct connections to hundreds of national and international destinations. Its location just minutes from downtown Greenville makes travel simple for both residents and business travelers. Major airports including Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) and Wilmington International Airport (ILM) are also within a two-hour drive, providing additional nonstop flight options across the country and abroad.
PGV continues to enhance traveler experience through upgraded facilities, improved flight services, and strong partnerships that help attract tourism, corporate travel, and logistics operations to the region.
In addition to PGV, nearby airports such as Albert J. Ellis Airport (OAJ) in Jacksonville and the Kinston Regional Jetport (ISO) provide added capacity for corporate, private, and freight flights. These facilities support business travel, aviation training, emergency response, and specialized logistics needs throughout eastern North Carolina.
Together, these airports create a robust regional aviation network that gives residents and businesses flexibility, convenience, and strong connections to state, national, and global markets.
Ports That Connect North Carolina to the World
Access to major deep-water ports gives the region a vital advantage in global trade and logistics. The Port of Wilmington and the Port of Morehead City serve as key gateways for importing and exporting goods, providing manufacturers, agribusinesses, and logistics companies with fast, reliable connections to international markets.
The Port of Wilmington is among the most efficient container ports on the East Coast, handling goods such as textiles, chemicals, electronics, and refrigerated cargo. With state-of-the-art cranes, an expanded turning basin, and direct rail access through CSX’s Queen City Express, it moves global shipments quickly and efficiently.
The Port of Morehead City specializes in bulk and breakbulk cargo, including steel, forest products, and phosphate. Its 45-foot deep channels and on-dock rail service provide seamless transport options for large-volume and heavy materials.
Supported by the North Carolina State Ports Authority, both ports connect directly to major inland roadways and rail lines including Interstate 587, U.S. 17, and CSX and Norfolk Southern corridors. These connections allow goods from Pitt County and eastern North Carolina to move efficiently from plant to port.
Ongoing investments in port infrastructure, technology, and security continue to expand capacity and keep North Carolina a leader in international trade and maritime commerce.
Rail Infrastructure That Powers Progress
Freight rail service provided by CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern Railway connects the region to major inland distribution hubs and Atlantic seaports, including Wilmington, Morehead City, and Norfolk. These routes form an important part of eastern North Carolina’s multimodal transportation system, giving local industries direct, efficient access to national and international markets.
Reliable rail connectivity supports growth in key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, agriculture, food processing, and logistics. Local shippers benefit from cost-effective transport for bulk goods, raw materials, and finished products, helping strengthen regional supply chains and attract new business investment.
Ongoing infrastructure investments across North Carolina continue to modernize rail corridors and industrial sidings, improving freight capacity, safety, and delivery speed. These improvements enhance Pitt County’s appeal to distribution centers, logistics companies, and industrial parks seeking dependable, multimodal access to ports and major highways.
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At the Heart of North Carolina’s Military Corridor
Located within North Carolina’s strategic military corridor, the region is surrounded by major installations including U.S. Army Fort Bragg, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Camp Lejeune, Marine Corps Air Station New River, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, and the U.S. Coast Guard Station Elizabeth City. This network of nearby bases strengthens coordination in defense operations, logistics, and workforce development across eastern North Carolina.
Military partnerships play a key role in the regional economy by supporting defense contractors, aerospace innovation, and a skilled veteran workforce. Local employers and education partners help service members and their families transition into civilian careers in healthcare, engineering, advanced manufacturing, and technology.
East Carolina University (ECU) is a designated Military Friendly® School and serves as a leader in defense-related education and research. Through its Office of Military and Veteran Affairs, ECU provides academic advising, scholarships, and counseling for veterans and dependents. The university’s work in aerospace systems, cybersecurity, and telehealth innovation directly supports national security and resilience.
Through close collaboration among education, industry, and government, the region continues to strengthen its long-standing relationship with the U.S. Armed Forces while honoring the service and sacrifice of those who protect the nation.
Regional Impact: More than 20,000 active-duty personnel live or work within 90 miles of Pitt County, contributing to a strong economy and community partnerships that promote military readiness and family well-being.