Indiana Rail Road marks groundbreaking

Indiana Rail Road Company (INRD) President and Chief Executive Officer Thomas G. Hoback, along with Indiana Department of Transportation Commissioner Michael Cline, on Monday broke ground for a $6 million locomotive maintenance facility that the railroad says will improve efficiency and environmental controls.

Construction is included as part of a $21 million capital investment program by INRD in 2011. Indianapolis-based INRD plans an additional $44 million in investment during the years 2012 to 2015.

The facility, located at Indiana Rail Road’s Hiawatha Yard, lies in Greene County’s Wright Township near Jasonville, Ind. Hiawatha Yard is the operational heart of INRD and supplies more than 85 jobs, the railroad said.

According to CEO Hoback, the new facility will replace a cramped, century-old building designed in the steam locomotive era, and will feature state-of-the-art environmental systems.

“The $6 million in private capital we have allocated for this facility is one of the largest singular investments in our company’s history, and it will greatly enhance operational efficiency while providing our mechanical team with a first-class working environment,” Hoback said. “Furthermore, this investment means that our employment base will remain in Greene County and we will continue to offer great career opportunities with outstanding benefits in this community.”

The locomotive maintenance facility will include a large parts warehouse and overhead cranes so INRD’s 20-person mechanical force can perform work ranging from routine maintenance to heavy overhauls. Up to four of the railroad’s 4,300-horsepower heavy-haul locomotives can be serviced at once in a climate-controlled environment.

“This is a far more advanced and elaborate facility than is typically found on a railroad our size,” said Hoback. “It’s a reflection of the strong growth we anticipate—50% or more in the next five years—and stay ahead of the growth curve.”