KCS invests $14.3 million in New Orleans Subdivision improvements

KCS/File photo

The Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCSR) has announced it will invest about $14.3 million in construction on its New Orleans Subdivision before the calendar year ends. 

The scheduled enhancements will be made on the subdivision between Port Allen and Simmesport, La., and at Norco, La., near New Orleans. Representatives say the project scope entails replacing 4.5 miles of rail and 52,000 cross ties, as well as making improvements to more than 100 road crossings.

“KCS, through its U.S. and Mexican subsidiaries, continues to invest in capital projects to expand network capacity, keep maintenance in a regular and healthy cycle, and enhance the safety of our operation,” said Patrick J. Ottensmeyer, president and CEO. “These investments also help us [to] be an economic growth partner to our customers and the communities through which we operate. KCS offers seamless transportation throughout North America and beyond with service to intermodal ramps, ports and transload centers and through strategic partnerships with all Class I railroads and many short line railroads.”

Officials say the crews will begin working on the project Nov. 15, making rail, crosstie and grade crossing improvements, and KCSR expects the work to wrap up in late-December. The Class 1’s crews will carry out work through local communities including Norco, Port Allen, Glynn, New Roads, Morganza, Batchelor, Innis, Lettsworth and Simmesport.