CSX to reopen hump yard near Nashville

CSX will reopen its hump yard operation at Radnor Yard in Nashville, Tennessee, the Class I confirmed yesterday.

CSX closed the yard's hump a year ago as part of its shift to a scheduled railroading operational model. Proposed by then-Chief Executive Officer E. Hunter Harrison, the shift resulted in converting 12 CSX hump yards to flat switching facilities.

However, the Class I now plans to reopen the hump at Radnor Yard to address several factors, a CSX spokesperson said in an email.

"The principles of scheduled railroading are based on the premise that we continuously seek opportunities to optimize the network and enhance customer service," the spokesperson said. "Given the footprint complexities of flat switching at Radnor Yard, we will improve network fluidity, optimize train starts, and dramatically reduce out-of-route train miles and switching costs by re-opening the hump."

As CSX officials refine the railroad's operating plan in Nashville and elsewhere, "we will identify opportunities to rationalize existing yards and other infrastructure," the spokesperson said.

"This will allow us to continue to eliminate unnecessary steps and drive improved service," the spokesperson added.