COEXISTING: FREIGHT FACILITIES & COMMUNITIES The Capital District Intermodal and Automotive Terminal Rick Crawford, Norfolk Southern April 24, 2013
The Current Norfolk Southern Network o NS operates approximately 21,000 route miles throughout 22 states and the District of Columbia o Engaged in the rail transportation of raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods o Operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East o Major transporter of coal and industrial products. o NYSE: NSC 2
What is Pan Am Southern? A Joint Venture created by Norfolk Southern & Pan Am Railways to operate and improve the former Guilford rail network west of Ayer, MA. Includes a new Intermodal / Auto Facility in NYS.
NS Corridor Development Strategy Long-Term Infrastructure Investments 5
Freight Rail Strengths and Opportunities Freight Transportation Mode Share by Distance Traveled The Rail Sweet Spot, particularly for intermodal
What is Intermodal? The use of multiple modes of transportation for the movement of freight from origin to destination, usually in a sealed container.
What is Intermodal Rail Transport?
Intermodal Rail Transport Contents and Percentages of Intermodal Shipments with Identified Content
Types of Rail Yards Retarders at a hump classification yard Classification Yard Intermodal Yard Norfolk Southern coal unloading facility, known as PIER 6
Intermodal Facility Overview
Automotive Facility Overview
Capital District Intermodal and Automotive Facility Mechanicville, NY (Albany) Pad tracks 2 tracks @ 8,000 ft. Support tracks 5,300 ft. Parking spaces 371 70,000 annual lifts Service Lanes Chicago, IL Boston, MA
Mechanicville Looking West 2Q 2012 Prior to Automotive Opening
Mechanicville Looking East 2Q 2012 Prior to Automotive Opening
Lighting Key Design Considerations Detailed Lighting Analysis Performed by Holophane Average Light Range of 2 to 3.5 fc for the IM pad and Auto Lot areas, up to 6 fc at Gate. High-mast towers to avoid over-lighting. Downward Cut-off Fixtures to be used. High Pressure Sodium (soft yellow) bulbs. w/o CUT-OFF FIXTURES w/ CUT-OFF FIXTURES
Noise Key Facts Detailed analysis has been performed. Facility Operation will create some additional noise. However, the impact is not deemed adverse. A limited number of additional receptors directly adjacent Rt. 67 west of facility entrance will now experience some noise level due to increased highway traffic but not at a level deemed significant Due to proximity above the site, some residents of Fairway Meadows and Estates will likely experience an DNL increase of >3 dba. The maximum anticipated noise level is a range of 55 to 62 dba.
Key Design Considerations Noise Reduction Strategies Relocate Main Track and Siding on South Side of Site Intermodal and Auto Ramp Tracks configured to be switched from West End Utilize Modern Lower-Noise Lift Equipment Limit Equipment idling - shut down when conditions allow Limit use of back-up alarms on trucks to extent permitted by law & by safety needs
Key Design Considerations Water Quality All required NYS and Federal Regulations related to storm water management will be complied with. Stream and Wetland impacts will be reviewed by NYSDEC & USACOE, and appropriate mitigation measures implemented. Appropriate Pollution Control Devices / Pretreatment to be installed and used in equipment service areas.
Key Design Considerations Security Perimeter Fencing Security Cameras Controlled Entry and Exit Patrolled by Railway Police
Connecting Albany to Chicago Gateway Industrial development projects with NS of which more than half a dozen regional shortline railroads Projects already proven job creation, with more to follow Increases other economic activity, adds to tax base The bridge s uncertain future discourages industrial investment projects which will depend upon reliable, efficient and economical freight rail service 26
The Fruture Portageville Bridge
1997 Hoosac Tunnel Clearance A hy-rail Suburban containing a rotating (8 rpm) laser mounted on the front bumper and computer equipment served as the principal measuring equipment. Project Over 20 million survey points were taken in one day.
The Hoosac Tunnel An engineering marvel for its time, construction of the 4.75-mile long (25,081 feet) tunnel took more than twenty years (1855-1876), cost more than five times the original estimate and claimed more than 200 lives. Running through the Hoosac Mountain of Berkshire Hills, east of North Adams, this tunnel provided a direct link between Vermont, Massachusetts and the city of Troy, New York.
Achieving Double-Stack Clearance on Pan Am Southern With the opening of Mechanicville, next is to clear the Hoosac Tunnel to permit intermodal trains west of the tunnel When all obstructions are cleared, all of the NS-served major markets will increase market share significantly and reduced the number of long-haul trucks The environmental benefits range from reduced wear and tear, improve air quality, reduced fuel, reduced emissions.
Designated under Section 1301 of SAFETEA-LU as a Project of National Significance. Double-stack trains will shave off 100-300 miles, and save more than a day s transit time. The Heartland Corridor A Case Study for the Hoosac Tunnel More than 30,000 feet of tunnel cleared, all while maintaining normal main line freight operations during the daytime. The inaugural Heartland double-stack train is expected to occur by September 2010. 31
Thank You 32