NS to consolidate divisional operations this fall

The consolidation, which is expected to go into effect by Nov. 1, reduces the number of operating divisions on Class I railway Norfolk Southern’s system from 10 to nine and will affect a total of about 50 employees.

   Norfolk Southern Railway (NS) will consolidate its Central Division headquarters operations in Knoxville, Tenn., into three surrounding divisions this fall as part of an effort to improve efficiency, the company revealed July 18.
   Dispatching responsibilities now handled from the Central Division, which includes track primarily in Tennessee and Kentucky, will be divided among operating divisions headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., Decatur, Ill., and Fort Wayne, Ind.
   The consolidation, which is expected to go into effect by Nov. 1, reduces the number of operating divisions on NS’ system from 10 to nine and will affect a total of about 50 employees who work at the Central Division headquarters in management, dispatching, and clerical positions, according to Norfolk Southern.
   Current yard and field operations on the Central Division won’t be affected by the headquarters closure, but will be reassigned among the other three divisions, the company has said. Also, dispatchers will be able to transfer to one of the other three divisions or apply for vacancies across the Norfolk Southern system.
   Current Knoxville administrative and clerical employees will be eligible to apply for vacant positions elsewhere, the company said. Over 250 employees will remain in Knoxville to service local customers and support the yard’s role as a hub for through-train operations.