NS Completes Ohio Siding Extension, Office Property Purchase
Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
Pictured: Norfolk Southern’s recently completed siding extension project in Campbellstown, Ohio. (NS Photograph)
Norfolk Southern (NS) on Aug. 8 reported extending a siding in Campbellstown, Ohio, to improve network fluidity and purchasing property in East Palestine, Ohio, for a new, permanent field office.
The existing siding was expanded to 15,000 feet as part of a strategy, launched in 2017, to build longer, crossing-free sections in high-density, single-track areas, according to NS. It is located on the New Castle District between Muncie and Cincinnati, which sees as many as 25 trains per day.
NS said that the community will benefit from the closure of three crossings in Preble County—Conley Road and Daily Road—and that it will help upgrade Toby Road to serve as an alternate route for north-south traffic. Once upgrades are complete on Toby Road, the crossing at Oxford-Gettysburg Road will close in late 2024. According to the railroad, similar projects were recently completed in Montpelier, Ind., and Sidney, Ind.
“This siding extension project represents Norfolk Southern’s commitment to improving safety, service and efficiency,” NS Vice President of Engineering Ed Boyle said. “The extension enables us to better serve our customers and support businesses in the area and beyond. Importantly, it also eliminates the chances of a blocked crossing in the community, which creates a safer and more accessible environment for residents.”
Separately, NS said that its recent property purchase at 248 North Market Street in East Palestine will serve as a permanent field office to support community engagement and operational functions. Since the Feb. 3 derailment, the railroad has leased space from Centenary United Methodist Church to accommodate its various teams. Eventually, it noted, the Family Assistance Center at Rebecca Place in East Palestine will relocate to this new office.
Building renovations are slated to begin this fall. Work will include updating the exterior with a brick façade to better match the aesthetic of the downtown district.
The new office is just across the street from the NS’s historic train depot, which the railroad is donating to the East Palestine community after completing renovations that will stabilize and revitalize the structure.
“We’ve pledged our long-term commitment to East Palestine and this permanent field office is a physical symbol of that pledge,” NS President and CEO Alan H. Shaw said. “For the past six months, we’ve been leasing space at the Centenary United Methodist Church. The church has been a home away from home for hundreds of Norfolk Southern employees and contractors, and the congregation’s warmth and willingness to open their doors to us will never be forgotten.”
“This permanent location is a testament to Norfolk Southern’s dedication to working hand-in-hand with the residents of East Palestine,” NS Director of Community Affairs Stacey Mansfield, said. “Our team looks forward to serving the community through our new field office and establishing a home for the long term.”
NS said that to date, it has committed $68 million to East Palestine and the surrounding communities.
