ORDC Approves $1M Grant for Rail Undercutting Project
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
Courtesy of Genesee & Wyoming
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – The Ohio Rail Development Commission approved a grant on July 25th of $1 million to Indiana & Ohio Railway (IORY) to go toward addressing vertical clearance concerns.
According to the release, the total cost of the project is $6.8 million and will address height restrictions that prevent double-stack intermodal service through Springfield. This will be achieved by lowering the Mainline at N. Fountain Avenue, N. Limestone street, and the Norfolk Southern Railway bridge. The project includes undercutting subgrade at these locations and installing 80 feet of CWR track panels. Additionally, crews will relocate two turnouts and construct retaining walls for slope stabilization.
By doing so, double-stack intermodal service will be possible to the Central Ohio Logistics Facility in Jeffersonville, Ohio, providing those businesses “with a competitive transportation option to route their container traffic, improving connectivity and freight economics of Ohio industries.” While there are a number of current and future opportunities to utilize the Jefferson intermodal facility that require double-stack clearance, “inbound loaded containers will also provide empty containers for potential outbound shipments of Ohio products.”
Chad Boutet, PE, Assistant Vice President, Engineering Grants said, “This project in partnership with Rail Commission will allow IORY to provide enhanced access to intermodal rail service for Ohio customers. These partnerships are critical in supporting our efforts to grow rail traffic in the state of Ohio, reduce truck traffic and emissions, and provide safe and reliable rail transportation.”
Executive Director of the Rail Commission, Matthew Dietrich said, “The IORY continues to make investments that improve their access to both domestic and global markets. This project represents a strategic investment that provides another opportunity for businesses in Ohio to access railroad intermodal services. We are happy to support such a project.”
