Rail Track Improvements in PA to Increase Capacity, Create Jobs

American rail and intermodal freight giant CSX and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have begun work to upgrade the freight rail corridor that runs through PA so that it will allow double stack container traffic to operate on the line. The project will increase the clearances on 16 bridges along the route to allow double stacked trains to run along the line. According to CSX, the project will create 1,200 direct and indirect jobs and allow for the expansion of Philadelphia's freight transportation options.

Funding will come from federal, state, and private sources. CSX has already committed $12 million towards the track improvements, and PA has committed $10 million through the capital budget Transportation Assistance Program. An additional $10 million will be added from the federal government. Since Governor Ed Rendell took office, the Commonwealth's investment in rail freight has increased from $12.75 million to $40 million a year.


Governor Rendell said that in addition to supporting hundreds of jobs, the project will shave five hours off of travel time, which will improve efficiency, ease highway congestion, and improve PA's rail connections to the Midwest. Governor Rendell also pointed out that freight rail transportation is much more energy efficient that trucking. Today's average freight train has an efficiency of 400 ton-miles per gallon, while trucks currently hover around 130 ton-miles per gallon.


"A strong freight rail infrastructure will ensure that we maintain and expand this important industry, which is essential to our transportation success", noted Governor Rendell.