(The following editorial appeared on the Commercial Appeal website on January 2.)
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — For local government officials, dealing with railroad companies requires a certain amount of finesse.
Because railroads are federally regulated, city and county officials don’t really have authority to tell them what to do.
It will be quite an achievement, then, if Memphis officials persuade Norfolk Southern to move its rail yard from a residential area near Southern and Highland to the Frank C. Pidgeon Industrial Park.
The move would be better for all parties involved.
If Norfolk Southern moves its operations to the industrial park, there will be fewer traffic tie-ups, less noise and fewer opportunities for cars or pedestrians to get hit by trains.
Norfolk Southern would have more room to expand at the 3,000-acre park, which is owned by the city and Shelby County. Norfolk Southern might also be able to take advantage of some local, state and federal financial incentives if it’s willing to make a move.
And there’s been some progress on creating a new rail line entering the park, which means Norfolk Southern might not have to share tracks with Canadian National.
It’s not a done deal yet, but a move by Norfolk Southern may be something to look forward to this year.