CSX opens locomotive shop in Chicago

CSX Corp. yesterday marked the grand opening of its Chicago Locomotive Shop at Barr Yard in Riverdale, Ill.

The shop will improve operational efficiency throughout the western and northern segments of the the Class I's network, CSX officials said in a press release.

As part of a $4.5 million project, CSX renovated the existing facility, which now features a refurbished turntable, a new drop table and new cranes. The shop will support the maintenance and repair of 120 locomotives per month, enabling the railroad to service units locally rather than transferring them to repair shops across the network, CSX officials said in a press release. Shop employees also will be able to diagnose and repair locomotives traveling through the Chicago gateway, they said.

"Demand for freight rail across the Chicago region has grown by leaps and bounds during recent years, and this facility is essential to helping us continue to serve customers safely, reliably and efficiently," said CSX Vice President of Mechanical Gery Williams.

The original shop was closed in 1992 and CSX began operations in the new Chicago Locomotive Shop last month. When it's fully operational in February 2015, the shop will employ 23 new workers.