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Citing burgeoning rail-traffic increases, Norfolk Southern Corp. announced April 4 that it will acquire 50 more new locomotives than the Class I initially planned to buy in 2005.

“Record volume growth over the past 18 months and continuing strong demand for rail transportation of freight make this a great investment for NS and our customers,” said Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer Stephen Tobias in a prepared statement. “The new locomotives will help us continue to ensure high service levels while increasing the reliability and fuel efficiency of our fleet.”

Built by General Electric Transportation-Rail, the six-axle, 4,000-horsepower high-adhesion locomotives meet all new reduced air-emission standards, NS says. Delivery is scheduled for the fourth quarter.

NS’s 2005 capital budget originally included the purchase of 52 six-axle, 4,000 horsepower high-adhesion locomotives to be built by General Motors Corp.'s Electro-Motive Division. Now, with a total 102 new locomotives entering revenue service this year, the NS fleet will increase to nearly 4,000 units.