Georgia to make short line routes sturdier behind pair of projects

Koppers will pick up and dispose crossties for a new Class 1 operator.

A pair of Class 3 railroads in Georgia will be able to make some much-needed improvements to their rail lines.

The Heart of Georgia and the Georgia Southwestern Railroad will take in over $15 million in funding. Over $9 million will come from the Federal Transit Administration in the form of Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grants. The Georgia Department of Transportation, which owns both lines, will provide a 50% match.

The Heart of Georgia Americus Sub project will involve surface and ballast improvements between Preston and Cordele. About 18 miles of rail will be replaced along with 2,750 crossties. New switches also will be installed. The project will allow for 286,000-lb loads on the line.

The Georgia Southwestern Railroad project will call for the replacement of 9 miles of 100-lb jointed rail with 115-lb rail. Bridges also will be worked on throughout a 65-mile segment between Lynn and Cuthbert. The finished product will be able to handle 286,000-lb freight for Class 2 status.

Read more articles on track maintenance.