Indiana Northeastern Railroad track in Ohio will receive upgrade in track condition

Officials are looking into light-rail expansion between Alexandria and Quantico.

Progress Rail

The condition of the Indiana Northeastern Railroad in Ohio will soon be upgraded to a Federal Railroad Administration Class 2 after the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) gave the green light to a grant valued at over $260,000. 

The project will consist of tie replacement, a ballast upgrade, rail anchor installation, bolt tightening, and the surfacing of 8.55 miles of track. The improvements will earn the Class 2 condition on the mainline track and a Class 1 rating for the sidings. The total cost of the project is just over $600,000.

Class 2 condition will allow train speeds to increase to 25 mph. Two grade crossings also will be reconstructed. The 8.55 miles of track contains the Indiana Northeastern Railroad’s only interchange in Ohio, which means all freight traffic from Indiana and Michigan uses the section, making the move to Class 2 condition critical to further serve customers.

The ORDC says this is a prime example of how shortline investment in the state can lead to economic benefit. INE, which owns 104 miles of track, believes the 8.55 miles of track is extremely critical and is excited about the opportunity for the upgrade.

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