The Class I’s Engineering team wrapped up the following safety; track, bridges and structures; and communications and signals projects:
- Five Digital Train Inspection portals constructed and in service.
- 313 grade crossing protection warning systems installed.
- 130 hot box/bearing detectors added.
- 17 acoustic bearing detectors installed.
- 29 hot wheel detectors installed.
- 140 public improvement projects completed.
- 558 track miles of rail replaced.
- 2.1 million cross ties installed.
- 4,202 miles of track surfaced.
- 30,480 bridge ties replaced.
- 553 panel turnouts installed.
- 43 Bridges replaced.
- 78 bridges structurally rehabilitated.
- 104 culverts installed.
- 23 signal cut-ins completed.
- 180 switch machines replaced.
- 869 CTC to ITCMS cut-ins completed.
- Three classification yard speed controllers replaced.
- Three moveable bridge PLC system upgrades.
“The entire Engineering team at Norfolk Southern is deeply committed to safely delivering exceptional, cost-effective solutions that meet the needs of our customers,” said Ed Boyle, NS Vice President Engineering and one of Railway Age Readers’ Most Influential Leaders for 2024. “Once again, our outstanding people in Maintenance of Way & Structures, Program Maintenance, Communications & Signals, Bridges and Structures, and Design and Construction have achieved results in 2024 that were on time and within budget, demonstrating their unwavering dedication to excellence and operational efficiency.”
Capex for 2025 is slated to be approximately $2.2 billion, according to the railroad.
Meanwhile, NS also reported that it is preparing for expected expansion in the global cold chain logistics market over the next decade. Experts project this market will grow from $368.1 billion in 2024 to $1,245.2 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate of approximately 14.5% during this period, according to the railroad.
NS is “investing in strategic partnerships,” it said, and building upon an existing network of 74 cold storage facilities that its serves directly or through a short line partner.
NS’s partnership with Agile Cold Storage is its latest example. Agile’s new Macon, Ga., warehouse is 180 miles from the Port of Savannah and on Genesee & Wyoming’s Georgia Central Railway, which interchanges NS seven days per week. The facility offers crossdocking, blast freezing, case picking, and tempering services. Agile received its first railcar in January.
NS said it currently moves approximately 6,700 temperature-controlled carloads each year and anticipates that this facility will contribute approximately 500 carloads per year.
“Agile was founded to be a great partner for our team members, customers, and stakeholders,” Don Schoenl, President and CEO of Agile Cold Storage, said. “Our investment in the new, rail-served facility in Macon is a prime example. With Norfolk Southern’s support, we can extend our services to customers across the U.S. and Canada, providing more efficient and reliable access to the Port of Savannah and retail and foodservice customers in Georgia and Florida.”
