STB approves Indianapolis-Louisville rail corridor upgrade

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board approved a joint proposal by Anacostia Rail Holdings’ Louisville & Indiana Railroad and CSX to upgrade the rail line.    The U.S. Surface Transportation Board approved a joint proposal by Anacostia Rail Holdings’ Louisville & Indiana Railroad and CSX to upgrade a freight corridor between Indianapolis and Louisville, Ky.
   Oscar Munoz, president and chief executive officer of CSX, said the improvements will allow “more direct transit across Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky, and [reduce] congestion in those states.” 
   He noted that the upgrades to the line will include installation of new rail, improved rail bed structure and bridge enhancements. 
   CSX also said its $100-million investment will connect the Port of Indiana-Jeffersonville to enhanced rail access, and provide more efficient rail service for freight shipments through the region.
   The Louisville & Indiana Railroad is based in Jeffersonville, Ind. The short line acquired its 106-mile line from Consolidated Rail Corp. and began operations in 1994. Since 2000, CSX trains have operated over a 52-mile portion of the corridor between Louisville and Seymour, Ind., on route to Cincinnati.