Alabama rail capacity is set to expand after Norfolk Southern completed more than six infrastructure projects on its 3B Corridor, reinforcing freight links between northern and central Alabama and the Port of Mobile.

Track crews working on Norfolk Southern’s 3B Corridor in Alabama
Crews work on track infrastructure along Norfolk Southern’s 3B Corridor in Alabama.Photo: Norfolk Southern

Projects completed on the 3B Corridor

Work began in 2024 and covered more than six projects along the 3B Corridor. The completed package comprises the Lacey Siding Extension and Relocation; the Wilton Siding, Yard and Crossing project; and extensions at Fremont, Catherine, Sunny South and Jackson.

“The investments we have made to our 3B Corridor over the last two years are reflective of Norfolk Southern’s commitment to meeting demand and delivering safe, reliable and efficient service for our customers,” said Norfolk Southern AVP Strategic Planning David Lehlbach. “This work — the largest comprehensive corridor improvement project that Norfolk Southern has undertaken in a decade — strengthens a corridor that is essential to Alabama’s economy, ensuring the state’s businesses have the supply chain infrastructure they need to continue to compete and grow.”

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How the work supports Alabama rail capacity

The Lacey project extended and shifted the siding west in Shelby County to reduce blocked crossings in the Brantleyville neighborhood. At Wilton, the program added a siding for train meets, changed track alignments and installed Centralized Traffic Control. A new grade crossing is also planned with the city and Shelby County.

The Fremont, Catherine, Sunny South and Jackson sidings were extended and equipped with Centralized Traffic Control for train meets and improved freight flow in Central Alabama. Norfolk Southern said the wider program supports service for automotive, chemical, forestry, paper and packaging, waste, steel and energy-related traffic, while helping customers make greater use of the Port of Mobile.

“Norfolk Southern’s completed infrastructure upgrades represent exactly the kind of private-sector commitment that strengthens Alabama’s economy for the long term,” said Alabama Secretary of Commerce Ellen McNair. “By following through on its promise to expand capacity, improve freight movement and support continued growth around the state, Norfolk Southern is helping make Alabama more competitive while also delivering meaningful benefits to the communities where it operates.”

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