My consolation prize!

(Train sightings on 2-17-15.)

With the Ringling Brothers Red Unit Circus train scheduled to make the 100 mile trip from Philadelphia, PA to Brooklyn, NY on Tuesday I was ready to photograph it as it made its way east over CSX's Trenton Line. Unfortunately this train once again proved to be elusive to me. No postings on the various websites that monitor rail activities did not afford any information as to the train's where abouts. As a alternate plan I decided to wait for NS 20E which had the Lackawanna heritage unit trailing behind 20E's leader. After all I couldn't afford to let Tuesday's good sunlight go to waste now. It is seen here passing a malfunctioning Valley Road grade crossing (LEHL MP 40) in Hillsborough, NJ around 12:30.

Train!!

Following photo is of a NJT train approaching a grade crossing in Gillette, NJ the morning of 2-18-15.  Sent to us via email from Deborah Schleiff.  Our thanks to Deborah. 

NS commercial on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1m_8jRlIwY&list=TLzgoaO7-MWIk 

NS Customer Service Update

Received the following via email. 

To Norfolk Southern’s Valued Customers:

I am writing to you today with two primary messages. 

The first is to direct you to our website where we have posted our February service update which outlines current resource planning, maintenance of way work plans, service metrics, an overview of our 2015 Capital Budget, and our expected return to steady state network performance early in the second half of the year.  As previously advised, these updates will continue on a monthly basis as the year progresses.

The second message is to thank you for your friendship and support over my 39 year career with Norfolk Southern.  At the end of this month I have decided to retire and transition to a slightly slower pace, unless of course, I decide a faster pace is more desirable.  It has been a distinct pleasure and privilege to work with many of you personally over this long period of time.  I extend my very best wishes to each of you for your continued success and good health and as always, thank you for your continuing business with our fine company.

Sincerely,

Donald W. Seale

Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer

Norfolk Southern Corporation

Three Commercial Place

Norfolk, VA  23510-9216

What I got in photographing NS's Central of Georgia heritage unit...

(Train sightings on 2-15-15.)

...was cold feet and a roster shot of the Central of Georgia! I had seen various postings on the Internet and thought I'll get this heritage unit in Sunday's good sunlight. I was going to wait at the LEHL's CP SULLY (MP 40) in Hillsborough (NJ) for the 66Z but switched over to Manville's 13th Street grade crossing. The morning wind was icy cold and brutal so moving over to Manville's 13th Street grade crossing seemed like a good idea at the time. When the 66Z's headlight was seen, I could exit the sheltered warmth of my truck to get the image. That 'ol saying "...the best made plans of mice and men go astray" was appropriate as my plans were destined to go astray. 66Z took the Royce Runner (Main 1) around 10:15 and held until permission was given to head east around 3:30. It was my understanding that a truck had struck a bridge causing various delays to operations within that area until a bridge inspector could come out and check for possible structural damage. For me the best image of this day was not of 66Z's heritage unit but of NS 290 heading east through the swirling snow. From the vantage point were this photo was taken, one can usually see pretty far west. Not so in this scene since the snow kicked up by 290 and winds have drastically reduced the visibility. 

Saturday's recap of Lehigh Line trains seen...

(Train sightings on 2-14-15.)

started out early on Saturday morning with a call from my wife who was out shopping. Passing beneath the LEHL in Hillsborough (NJ) and called to inform me that there was "...an tank car train stopped on the siding." Before hanging up she said "Happy Valentine's Day!" With that conversation ended I was out the door and heading towards Manville's 13th Street grade crossing (LEHL MP 37). Sure enough it was holding on the Royce Runner (Main 1) for NS 20E to pass. At 9:36 20E passed by with NS 9560, NS 7707 and NS 2607 as the power consist. Shortly there after, 66Z made its way down the siding. I was hoping that this 66Z would be the one with the Central of Georgia leading but that was not to be. Saturday 66Z's power would be NS 3417, UP 5624 and UP 7024. Perhaps Sunday will be the day the C of G heritage unit passes through. 

Hoping to catch NS 212 with the KCS leading, it was then off to Stanton Station for the cold wait. At 12:13 212 came through with KCS 4104 leading. Prior to 212's arrival, NS 211 would take the siding at CP 53 and hold for two more east bounders after 212. Lead by NS 9655 and NS 9086, the next east bounder to pass by was 22V @ 12:30. NS 20R was the final east bound intermodal having NS 1098 and NS 9924 as its power consist. Once 20R had cleared, 211 headed west , led by NS 7587 and NS 7655 @ 1PM. With 211's passage and the forecasted snow starting to fall,  it was time to head home and thaw out! 

Erie Railroad depot and hotel in Susquehanna, PA for sale

The 1863 Erie Railroad depot and hotel known as The Starrucca House located in Susquehanna, PA are for sale.   Susquehanna, PA is north of Scranton, near the NY border; south and east of Binghamton, NY.

Photo from Oaklands Real Estate web site.

The following description is from the roadtrippers.com web site: 

https://roadtrippers.com/us/susquehanna-pa/points-of-interest/the-starrucca-house

The Erie Railroad Station in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania was built by the Erie Railway (later reorganized as the Erie Railroad) in 1863. The three-story Gothic Revival structure included a large hotel, called Starrucca House, with rooms for 200 people and a 120 feet long dining room. Overall building size is 327 feet (100 m) length by 40 feet (12 m) width. The railroad converted the hotel into offices and sleeping quarters for railroad personnel c. 1903. Alterations were made to the building in 1913 and 1917. The Erie Railroad merged into the Erie Lackawanna Railroad in 1960, which ended passenger train service over the former Erie Delaware Division through Susquehanna in 1966. All remaining passenger service on the former Lackawanna route via Scranton, PA, was discontinued on January 6, 1970. The station was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. 

This description is from the Oaklands Real Estate web site: 

http://www.flexmls.com/share/EITB/165-DEPOT-ST-Susquehanna-PA-18847-

Once in a lifetime opportunity to own one of the most unique properties in Pennsylvania. The Susquehanna Rail Depot aka the Starrucca House, built in 1863 by James P. Kirkwood for the Erie Rail Road, it was the epicenter for entertaining. This property is ripe for development, featuring 13,040 sq.ft. of space as well as railway accesses the property has endless opportunities. 

The real estate web site also has about 100 current photos of this property, mostly of the interior. 

Sunday afternoon at one of my favorite LEHL photo locations...

(Train sightings on 2/8/15.) 

One of my favorite locations along NS's LEHL is the S-curve at Stanton Station (NJ). It is just west of MP 53, adjacent to the Stanton Station Road grade crossing and affords a good photo location for afternoon eastbound trains. Sunday proved to be good despite gray skies. First train worth mentioning was NS 66Z (Chicago, IL to Linden, NJ). It had two "showroom clean" SD70ACes, NS1163 and NS 1140, as its motive consist. They had served as the power for an empty oil train 67Z that went west on Friday (February 6th) over the LEHL. The second catch was NS's Go Rail 6963 teamed with NS 9083 to serve as the power consist for 18N (Fostoria, OH to Doremus, NJ). It was worth the wait for these two images...

Newark Penn Station Solari Board

Received the following via email. 

Date: Wed, 18 Feb 2015 11:47:32 -0500
Subject: Newark Penn Solari Board

To all:

NJ TRANSIT is replacing the Solari big board at Newark Penn Station and will be disposing of the existing flap style board that is currently in place (although obviously not original to the station).  While the unit cannot be removed in one piece, if any parties would like to receive any of the station name flaps for preservation or display we will be happy to work with you to arrange for such disposition of pieces of the old board.  Please note, however, NJ TRANSIT is unable to provide transport of these items.  If you have any interest please let me know and I will arrange for you to meet with someone from our information technology staff.  Also – if you know of other organizations that might wish to receive this notification, feel free to pass this message along.  Dara

Dara Callender, P.E.

NJ TRANSIT

Environmental Services Unit

One Penn Plaza East

Newark, NJ 07105-2246

Phone: 973-491-7205

E-Fax:   973-863-4538

E-Mail: dcallender@njtransit.com

Note:  This Solari board is a split-flap display used to show train arrivals and departures.  It is named after the manufacturer, Solari di Udine from Udine, Italy. 

NS - Winter Storm Octavia Impacting Operations in the Midwest, Ohio Valley, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic areas

Received the following via email.

Winter Storm Octavia Impacting Operations in the Midwest, Ohio Valley, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic areas

Norfolk Southern operations in the Midwest, Ohio Valley, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic areas are expected to be impacted over the next several days by heavy snow, blizzard conditions and sub-zero temperatures in association with Winter Storm Octavia.  Customers should expect delays of 24-48 hours on traffic moving through these areas.    

The latest ETA and routing information is always available through Pacesetter and accessNS.

Customers with questions regarding specific shipments should contact the National Customer Service Center.

Customer Service Operations at 800-635-5768.
Customer Service Automotive Operations at 888-649-9273.

Customers with questions regarding local service should contact their Operations and Service Support Representative.

Operations and Service Support at 800-898-4296.

NS 212's colorful trio of motive power!

(Train sightings on 2-4-15.)

NS 212, an Atlanta, GA to Croxton, NJ intermodal, with a trio of KCS diesels (4568, 4609 and 3932) is headed east on the Lehigh Line MP 40 @ 10:37 as it approaches the Valley Road grade crossing in Hillsborough (NJ).

CSX Corporation Chief Financial Officer to Address Barclays Industrial Select Conference

Received the following via email. 

CSX Corporation Chief Financial Officer to Address Barclays Industrial Select Conference

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - February 11, 2015 - Fredrik Eliasson, CSX Corporation (NYSE: CSX) executive vice president and chief financial officer, will address the Barclays Industrial Select Conference in Miami, Florida on Wednesday, February 18, at 8:05 a.m. Eastern Time.

Access to the audio webcast will be available on CSX's website at http://investors.csx.com.  A replay and accompanying audio will be available following the conclusion of this event.

This announcement, as well as additional financial information, is available on the company's website at http://investors.csx.com.

CSX also uses social media channels to communicate information about the company. Although our social media channels are not intended to be the primary method of disclosure for material information, it is possible that certain information we post on social media could be deemed to be material. Therefore, we encourage investors, the media, and others interested in our company to review the information we post on the social media channels listed below. This list may be updated from time to time.

CSX on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX)

CSX on Slideshare (http://www.slideshare.net/HowTomorrowMoves)

CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company.  It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products.  For more than 185 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development.  Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides.  It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and small farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com.

Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:

David Baggs, Investor Relations

904-359-4812

Melanie Cost, Corporate Communications

904-359-1702

NS chief financial officer to address Barclays Industrial Select Conference on Feb. 19

Received the following via email.

Norfolk Southern chief financial officer to address Barclays Industrial Select Conference on Feb. 19

NORFOLK, Va., Feb. 6, 2015 – Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) Executive Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer Marta R. Stewart will make a presentation during the 2015 Barclays Industrial Select Conference.

What: Barclays Industrial Select Conference

When: Thursday, Feb. 19, 9:45 a.m. EST

Where: Loews Miami Beach Hotel, Miami, Fla.

Webcast URL: http://cc.talkpoint.com/barc002/021815a_ae/?entity=32_34N7IP5

The presentation will be posted at www.norfolksouthern.com in the Investors section.

           

About Norfolk Southern

Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal, automotive, and industrial products.

Media Inquiries:

Frank Brown, 757-629-2710 (fsbrown@nscorp.com)

Investor Inquiries:

Katie Cook, 757-629-2861 (InvestorRelations@nscorp.com)

http://www.norfolksouthern.com

Win Tickets For The Easter Bunny Train Ride & Easter Egg Hunt 2015

Received the following from The Delaware River Railroad Excursions in Phillipsburg, NJ.

ENTER THE EASTER BUNNY TRAIN AND  EGG HUNT SWEEPSTAKES  WIN A FAMILY 4 PACK OF TICKETS ENTER HERE OR  buy tickets here Ride the ONLY Easter Bunny train ride where you get off the train and have an Easter Egg Hunt! While on the train visit with Mr. E. Bunny. Give him a hug and take a picture! Your ride will wind along the scenic Delaware River leaving from the Historic District of Phillipsburg, New Jersey. The train will travel along the river to Carpentersville and our destination will be the site of the historic Lime Kilns. In front of the 150 year old Lime kilns is a beautiful little glade filled with Easter Eggs! Once we arrive you can get off the train, take a picture with Mr. Bunny and gather 4 Easter eggs filled with little toys ( similar to what you find in cracker jack).   Enjoy the cute Easter music on the train, the gift shop, the snack bar, our banjo playing Hobo and a Juggler, its fun for the whole family! Trips run on: March 28, 29  and April 4th. 11am, 12:30pm, 2:00pm and 3:30 pm BUY TICKETS NOW  Thomas Comes In July! Buy Thomas Tickets TICKETS ON SALE JANUARY 14TH JULY 10,11,12,17,18,19 Day Out With Thomas is a family event that offers children and their grownups the opportunity to ride with classic storybook friend Thomas the Tank Engine™ . Parents, grandparents and siblings join their aspiring engineers in the fun. The Day Out With Thomas experience will engineer miles of smiles for the whole family and introduce a new generation to the timeless excitement of railroading. The train pulled by Thomas leaves every hour on the hour, 10 am to 5 pm. You may also ride  the River Train along the scenic Delaware River  to Pinchers Point, New Jersey ( an hour and fifteen minute round trip).  For an added adventure take the River Train  to the Ol' Susquehanna Mine , enjoy the animated Mine Shaft Explosion, History and learn how to pan for Gem Stones that you can take home!. The trips pulled by Thomas take you along the beautiful Delaware River to North Carpentersville New Jersey, a 25 minute ride. The River Train   pulled by our STEAM locomotive #142  follows the same route  journeying further along the river to Edingers  with a brief stop at the "Old Susquehanna" gem stone mine.  At the mine you may get off , visit the mine and learn how to pan for gems.  Each passenger receives a bag of mine tiling's , a brief history of the mine and use of the  sluice to prospect for their very own gem stones they can bring home!  You may also purchase tickets the day of the event for all trains although we advise that you purchase your tickets in advance. Trains to  and from the mine depart every hour.  Stay at the mine as little as an hour or as long as you like! Experience the exploding mine shaft tour-- its a hoot! GREAT ENTERTAINMENT! BUY TICKETS FOR A DAY OUT WITH THOMAS NOW TICKETS ON SALE JANUARY 14TH  The Delaware River Railroad Excursions is operated by the New York Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society Inc, a 501 c (3) non profit corporation.  We are operated entirely by volunteers.

Playing in the Snow 2-3-2015

Received the following via email from Kermit Geary, Jr.  Text and photos are his. 

After the Stupid Bowl Blizzard of 2015, Took Monday off due to being snowed 
in.  Tuesday (today) had to work a job in Pocono Summit.  Got off just in 
time to catch the Delaware Lackawanna's Portland train heading east.  Always
wanted a nice snow plow shot, but never was in the right place.  Hope y'all 
are warm and dry.

CSX Customer Service Advisory - CSX Prepares for Possible Canadian Strike

Received the following via email.

Customer Service Advisory - CSX Prepares for Possible Canadian Strike

CSX is preparing for possible impacts to its Canadian operations as a result of unresolved negotiations between the CP and CN railroads and the TCRC (Teamsters) and Unifor unions, which represent several transportation and mechanical operating crafts.

CP Canadian rail workers could go on strike if a deal is not reached by 12:01 a.m. on February 15, 2015. A strike could result in halted or delayed shipments to and from Canada. CSX expects traffic would be most impacted in Buffalo and Detroit, where CSX interchanges with CP. At this point, normal CN operations are expected to continue.

CSX is intensely focused on continuing to serve customers' needs and is closely monitoring the situation while preparing contingency plans that would be activated in the event of a strike.

Customers with questions about shipments can contact the Customer Service Center via www.shipcsx.com or by calling 1-877-ShipCSX (1-877-744-7279) options 5, 6. Customers can sign up to automatically receive service advisory notifications on ShipCSX. 

It was a long cold wait for NS's PRR 8102

(Train sightings on 1-29-15.) 

A broken rail in Three Bridges (NJ) at LEHL MP 48 would disrupt Thursday morning's traffic along NS's Lehigh Line. 11J would hold what was once referred to as the Royce Runner, now designated as Main 1, at 10 o'clock to wait for three eastbound trains. Two intermodals and a 66Z would pass before the 11J was finally allowed to proceed west on Main 2 at 12:27. It is seen here at CP SULLY near the Roycefield Road grade crossing in Hillsborough (NJ). Motive power was NS heritage unit PRR 8102 and NS 7239, ex-UP 8009 SD90MAC. NS 11J is a Doremus (NJ) to Detroit (MI) daily train that consists of empty autoracks. After my two and one-half hour wait and 11J passage, it would be time to head to the nearest deli for some hot coffee in order to warm up.

Easter Bunny Express Tickets Now Available

Received the following via email from the Black River & Western Railroad in Flemington, NJ.

Ride the Easter Bunny Express at the Black River & Western Railroad!

Dear Patron, Don't miss your chance to meet Peter Cottontail aboard the Black River & Western Railroad! The Easter Bunny Express operates Sunday March 22, Saturday - Sunday March 28-29, and Friday - Saturday April 3-4. Trains depart Flemington Station only. Visit our website for the complete schedule of departures. Reservations are required, and are now available through our website! Don't forget to ask your Conductor to tell you all about our exciting project to extend the length of our Summer Excursion train rides! Visit our website for complete details and to purchase tickets today! www.blackriverrailroad.com

NS and Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen reach new five-year collective bargaining agreement

Received the following via email.

Norfolk Southern and Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen reach new five-year collective bargaining agreement

NORFOLK, VA., Jan. 30, 2015 -- Norfolk Southern and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen today reached a new collective bargaining agreement that continues to link engineer compensation to corporate performance through 2019.

The agreement, which covers approximately 4,600 locomotive engineers, provides engineers with an annual bonus opportunity based on corporate performance and for the first time includes individual incentive opportunities based on personal performance. The agreement also includes changes to improve engineer work scheduling, which will help ensure that NS has a more stable and available workforce while providing employees with more predictable schedules.

“The new agreement builds on our long history of collaborative problem-solving with the BLET, and it will have a positive impact on employees, our customers and the long-term success of the company,” said Norfolk Southern Labor Relations Vice President Scott Weaver. “We thank the BLET for its continued partnership throughout this process.”

About Norfolk Southern

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal, automotive, and industrial products.

Media Inquiries:

Susan Terpay, 757-823-5204 (susan.terpay@nscorp.com)

Investor Inquiries:

Katie Cook, 757-629-2861 (InvestorRelations@nscorp.com)

http://www.norfolksouthern.com

NS reports fourth-quarter and full-year 2014 results

Received the following via email.

Norfolk Southern reports fourth-quarter and full-year 2014 results

NORFOLK, Va., January 26, 2015 – Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) today reported financial results for fourth-quarter and full-year 2014.

Net income for the quarter was $511 million, or $1.64 per diluted share, compared with $513 million, or $1.64 per diluted share, earned in fourth-quarter 2013. For the year, net income increased to a record $2.0 billion, 5 percent higher compared with $1.9 billion for 2013. Diluted earnings per share for 2014 were a record $6.39, up 6 percent compared with $6.04 per diluted share for 2013.

FOURTH-QUARTER 2014 RESULTS

§   Railway operating revenues totaled $2.9 billion.

§   Income from railway operations was $891 million.

§   Net income totaled $511 million.

§   Diluted earnings per share were $1.64.

§   The railway operating ratio was 69.0 percent.

2014 RESULTS SET RECORDS

§  Railway operating revenues reached $11.6 billion.

§  Income from railway operations was $3.6 billion.

§  Net income totaled $2.0 billion.

§  Diluted earnings per share were $6.39.

§  The railway operating ratio was 69.2 percent.

“Norfolk Southern delivered another solid quarter of financial performance, capping a record-setting year during which our company achieved its best results for revenues, operating income, net income, earnings per share, and operating ratio,” said CEO Wick Moorman. “For 2015, we plan to invest $2.4 billion in capital investments to maintain the safety and quality of our rail network, enhance service, improve operational efficiency, and support growth opportunities.”

FOURTH-QUARTER SUMMARY

<·  Operating revenues were $2.9 billion, about even compared with fourth-quarter 2013, with gains in merchandise and intermodal revenues offsetting weaker coal revenues. Total volume was up 4 percent, or about 66,000 units, due to gains in intermodal and merchandise traffic.

<·  General merchandise revenues were $1.7 billion, 3 percent higher than the same period last year. Volume grew by 5 percent, led by increases in shipments of chemicals and metals and construction. The five commodity groups reported mixed revenue results on a year-over-year basis:

§  Chemicals: $477 million, up 11 percent

§  Agriculture: $387 million, down 2 percent

§  Metals/Construction: $366 million, up 5 percent

§  Automotive: $253 million, even

§  Paper/Forest: $195 million, down 3 percent

<·   Intermodal revenues increased to $649 million, 5 percent higher compared with fourth-quarter 2013. Growth in international and domestic business pushed traffic volume up 6 percent in the quarter compared with the same period of 2013.

<·   Coal revenues were $543 million, 15 percent lower compared with the fourth quarter of 2013. A weak global export market and fewer shipments of coal to utilities combined to decrease volume by 6 percent.

<·   Railway operating expenses were $2.0 billion, down 1 percent compared with the same period of 2013.

<·   Income from railway operations was $891 million, a fourth-quarter record and 1 percent higher compared with fourth-quarter 2013.

<·  The operating ratio, or operating expenses as a percentage of revenue, improved 1 percent to 69.0 percent, compared with the same quarter in 2013.

2014 SUMMARY

<·  Railway operating revenues reached a record $11.6 billion, 3 percent higher compared with 2013, driven by a 5 percent increase in traffic volume.

<·  General merchandise revenues rose 6 percent to $6.7 billion, and traffic volume increased 5 percent compared with the prior year.

<·   Intermodal revenues increased to $2.6 billion, up 7 percent compared with 2013. Traffic volume was 8 percent higher for 2014 compared with 2013.

<·  Coal revenues were $2.4 billion, down 6 percent, due to a 5 percent decline in traffic volume compared with 2013.

<·   Railway operating expenses were $8 billion, up 1 percent compared with 2013.

<·  Income from railway operations was a record $3.6 billion, 10 percent higher compared with 2013.

<·  The operating ratio for the year was a record 69.2 percent, a 3 percent improvement compared with 71.0 percent in 2013.

About Norfolk Southern

Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal, automotive, and industrial products.

Media Inquiries:

Frank Brown, 757-629-2710 (fsbrown@nscorp.com)

Investor Inquiries:

Katie Cook, 757-629-2861 (InvestorRelations@nscorp.com)

http://www.norfolksouthern.com

NS close Roanoke office building, relocate employees

Received the following via email.

Norfolk Southern to close Roanoke office building, relocate employees

ROANOKE, Va., January 27, 2015 – Norfolk Southern today announced that it will close its Roanoke office building at 110 Franklin Road SE later this year and relocate the functions currently housed there to Atlanta or Norfolk.

Approximately 500 people currently work in the building in marketing, accounting, information technology, and other departments. Affected employees will have the option of relocating with their positions.

The action is being taken to foster departmental synergies and to make better use of the company’s real estate assets and support the company’s goal of streamlining its management workforce. Norfolk Southern is in the final process of evaluating which positions will be relocated to its corporate headquarters in Norfolk, Va., or its operational headquarters in Atlanta, Ga. Some regionally oriented positions will remain in Roanoke but will move to other work locations in the area.

“This will not involve any involuntary force reductions, and we will provide substantial relocation packages for those who choose to relocate,” said James A. Squires, Norfolk Southern president. “Norfolk Southern has been a proud corporate citizen of Roanoke for more than 130 years, and that will not change. While our profile may be reduced, Roanoke will remain a key location in our network, and we will remain engaged in the community.”

Roanoke will remain the headquarters for Norfolk Southern’s Virginia Division, and the company will continue operating a local switching yard and locomotive and car maintenance facilities at Shaffer’s Crossing, and a locomotive overhaul and rebuilding facility in its East End Shops. In total, about 1,700 people currently work for Norfolk Southern in Roanoke.

The Roanoke office building was built in 1992 and consists of more than 203,000 square feet of office space. Disposition of the building will be determined at a later time.

About Norfolk Southern

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal, automotive, and industrial products.

Media Inquiries:

Robin Chapman, 757-650-0138 (robin.chapman@nscorp.com)

http://www.norfolksouthern.com