Norfolk Southern Corp. has another major intermodal corridor in the works. During an investor conference held yesterday in New York City, NS Vice President of Intermodal and Automotive Marketing Mike McClellan discussed the Class I’s plan to build the Crescent Corridor between New Jersey and Louisiana.
The proposed 1,400-mile corridor — which would run along Interstate 81 — would expand and improve the railroad’s network from the Northeast to the Southeast.
The Crescent Corridor also would open the door to new intermodal business — as in an opportunity to divert more than 1 million truckloads because of significant highway congestion along portions of the route, particularly in Virginia, said McClellan.
But before the railroad can begin building the corridor — perhaps as early as next year — NS officials are seeking public partners to help finance the project. The Class I currently is part of a public/private partnership that’s financing and building the Heartland Corridor, a high-speed double-stack container line between Norfolk, Va., and Columbus, Ohio.
Pending financing, a portion of the Crescent Corridor could be completed and improved intermodal services rolled out in 2009. The entire corridor could be in place by 2013.
Source: Progressive Railroading Daily News
