Transportation

HIGHWAYS

Rutherford County has excellent access to north/south and east/west interstate highways allowing for fast, safe and economical transportation of products. The county's superb network of roads also links Rutherford County with the region's major cities, universities and cultural/recreational areas.  Interstate Highway 85 north and south, Interstate Highway 26 and 4-laned, divided, limited access Highway 74 east and west, as well as U.S. Highway 221 north and south, provide exceptional access and connect the region with other major interstate highways including Interstates 40, 95, and 77.

- 2011 NC State Travel Map  (Full sized versions can be downloaded - 14.9 mb.)
- US Hwy 221 Approved Bypass Route
- 2011 State Transportation Improvement Program updates on US 221 project in Rutherford County

AIRPORTS / AIR SERVICE

The county is served by three commercial airports: Greenville/Spartanburg International Airport,
Asheville Regional Airport and Charlotte/Douglas International Airport, all three within an hour's drive. Through these three airports, the county has access to all major mainline U.S. carriers for passenger service both domestic and international.  The Air Cargo Facility at Charlotte Douglas International Airport is recognized as the #1 industrial hub in Southeast USA. 

Private and light commercial aircraft are also served by the Rutherford County Airport - Marchman Field, which can accommodate most executive and industrial aircraft on its lighted 5,000 ft. runway. Rutherford County also is within 20 to 50 miles of six municipal and regional airports.  Download Airport_Online_Presentation.pdf

Charlotte-Douglas International Airport

• Miles from County Center: 60.93 miles
• US Airways Hub
• 684 Daily Departures (Dec 2011)
• Non-stop service to 138 Destinations
• #1 industrial hub in Southeast USA and 7th largest Nationwide in Operations

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport

• Miles from County Center: 60.61 miles
• 60 Daily Departures (Feb 2012)
• Non-stop service to 18 major cities
• 120,000 S/F FedEx Cargo Facility

Asheville Regional Airport

• Miles from County Center: 49.14 miles
• 37 Daily Departures (February 2010)
• Non-stop service to 8 major cities: Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Philadelphia, Newark, and Orlando
• A“C-III” airport -designed to accommodate Airbus A-320-100 and a Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ-200) - A full Category I Instrument Landing System for Runway 16/34

Rutherford County Municipal Airport - Marchman Field

• Miles from County Center: 8.83 miles
• 5,000 X 100 foot runway; Asphalt surface; Medium Intensity runway edge lights
• Average 90 aircraft a day
• 44 aircraft based at the Field (single & multi engine aircraft, jets and helicopters)

PORTS

Rutherford County is connected to two of the East Coast's most modern deep water ports. Wilmington, NC is approximately 240 miles and Charleston, SC is approximately 250 miles. The ports of Morehead City, NC, Savannah, GA, and Jacksonville, FL are also within a day's drive. All ports are easily accessible via interstate highways.

N.C. Ports Tax Credits – Provides tax credits towards income taxes paid by businesses or individuals using ports facilities at N.C. Ports at Morehead City and Wilmington.

TRUCKING & RAIL

Trucking

Rutherford County is served by major LTL and Long Distance trucking carriers that serve the Southeastern US.  Over 450 trucking firms are located regionally and Truck Services Inc is headquartered locally.

Approximate Distances & Driving Times To Key National Locations

Rail

Rail service in Rutherford County is provided by CSX Transportation and connects with most mainline railroads. Within the county, the Thermal Belt Railway provides shortline service between Bostic, Forest City and Spindale.

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