(Source: Norfolk Southern press release, January 28, 2013)
NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk Southern Corporation plans to spend $2 billion in 2013 for capital improvements to its rail transportation network.
The largest expenditure will be $831 million for roadway improvements, including the maintenance and replacement of rail, crossties, ballast, and bridges to ensure the continued safe and reliable operation of the railroad.
Equipment spending includes $420 million to acquire new locomotives and rebuild and upgrade existing units; re-body coal cars; buy multi level freight cars to handle increased automotive traffic; and purchase intermodal containers and chassis.
NS has budgeted $229 million, about 11 percent of the 2013 budget, for the continued implementation of positive train control.
Investments in facilities and terminals are anticipated to be $203 million and include the continuation of a multi-year project to expand Bellevue rail yard in Northern Ohio; construction of a new intermodal terminal in Charlotte, N.C., as part of Norfolk Southern’s Crescent Corridor initiative; completion of a new locomotive service facility in Conway, Pa.; and new and expanded bulk transfer facilities.
Norfolk Southern also expects to spend $84 million in infrastructure improvements to increase main line capacity, accommodate traffic growth, and provide NS’ match for innovative public-private partnership investments such as CREATE in Chicago and the Crescent Corridor, which will improve the nation’s transportation infrastructure, reduce fuel consumption and air pollution, and relieve highway congestion by moving freight off highways onto rail.
Technology investments of $57 million are planned for new and upgraded systems and computers to enhance safety and improve operating efficiency and equipment utilization.