STB grants Amtrak access to CSX yard in Mobile, Ala.

Surface Transportation Board logo

WASHINGTON — Score one small win for Amtrak in its ongoing effort to launch service along the Gulf Coast. The Surface Transportation Board on Monday issued a decision honoring Amtrak’s request for an order allowing it access to CSX Transportation’s Choctaw Yard in Mobile, Ala., to conduct a survey to determine a possible site for […]

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Australian infrastructure fund to acquire RailUSA

Red, white, and blue locomotives pulling train across low bridge

WASHINGTON — A global infrastructure fund based in Australia will acquire RailUSA, the holding company that operates the 430-mile Florida Gulf & Atlantic and the 228-mile Grenada Railroad in Mississippi. Macquarie Infrastructure Partners reached a purchase agreement with RailUSA on Nov. 23, according to a regulatory filing with the Surface Transportation Board last week. The […]

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Two hurt in Norfolk Southern derailment in Georgia (updated)

Norfolk Southern logo

HIRAM, Ga. — Two crew members suffered minor injuries Saturday night as three locomotives and at least seven cars of a Norfolk Southern train derailed late Saturday night. The lead locomotive and seven cars overturned, while the other two locomotives remained upright. WSB-TV reports the railroad said in a statement that the crew members “have […]

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Federal regulators ask Norfolk Southern to respond to shipper complaints

Man with gray hair speaking

WASHINGTON – Surface Transportation Board Chairman Martin J. Oberman today asked Norfolk Southern CEO Jim Squires to explain the railroad’s deteriorating performance metrics and rising number of shipper complaints. “I am requesting that you provide the Board with a review of the current state of NSR’s network, and your assessment of what factors are affecting NSR’s […]

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Virginia port to double rail capacity, add additional cranes

Port of Virginia logo

NORFOLK, Va. — The Port of Virginia’s board of directors has approved a $61.5 million contract to double the size of the Central Rail Yard at the Norfolk International Terminals. WAVY-TV reports the board also approved an $18 million contract for up to three cantilever rail-mounted gantry cranes and related systems. The two projects will […]

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Analysis: CSX, NS guard status quo in Gulf Coast filing

Freight train with blue and yellow engine leaving main line

MOBILE, Ala. — In a filing with the Surface Transportation Board earlier this month, CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern asserted the railroads’ freight operation will suffer a “catastrophic meltdown” if Amtrak is allowed to add two daily passenger round trips between New Orleans and Mobile. Yet the 277-page “opening evidence” document by the two carriers […]

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Doug Karhan, former NS steam master mechanic, dies

IRONDALE, Ala. — Doug Karhan, who was master mechanic of steam for Norfolk Southern from 1982 to the close of excursions in 1994, has died. Karhan, who began as a volunteer, became assistant to the late Bill Purdie. He died Thursday, those close to him tell Trains News Wire. No other details were immediately available. […]

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