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The Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor recently contracted Norfolk Southern Railway to provide switching services — the first time an on-site, dedicated rail switching service will be available since the facility opened in 1970, according to the Ports of Indiana, which oversees three ports.

Last year, the Ports of Indiana received switching service proposals from various railroads in an effort to improve rail service for current Burns Harbor customers and increase business opportunities involving rail. The partnership with NS creates several growth opportunities, including the implementation of unit trains and better in-port switching services, said Ports of Indiana Chief Executive Officer Rich Cooper in a prepared statement.

“Having a world-class Class I carrier with a major rail yard, equipment and crews located immediately adjacent to us will create significant advantages for our port customers,” he said.

The new agreement will improve daily rail service for port customers and increase operational efficiencies at both NS and the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad Co., providing direct connections to the Indiana Harbor Belt and other railroads, said Steve Evans, NS’ assistant vice president for ports and international business.