Norfolk Southern gives Alabama rail line $200M boost

The 3B Corridor rail line that runs through the state of Alabama is about to see an increase in capacity because of an investment from Norfolk Southern.

The line, which connects markets in northern and central Alabama to the Port of Mobile, will benefit from a $200 million investment to accommodate expected growth in the industry across the southeast.

Keep reading to find out the details on Norfolk Southern’s investment + learn more about the 3B Corridor line’s impact in Alabama.

Read more: How railroad transportation could be the future in Alabama + across Southeast

Norfolk Southern

The new investment will fund a project that will include:

• Terminal + track infrastructure improvements
• Grade crossing improvements
• Yard upgrades in Wilton
• Customer-specific projects in north Alabama
• Capacity projects in central Alabama

These improvements are in addition to a project already underway that includes collaboration from Norfolk Southern. That project, a new premium coal production facility, aims at allowing high-volume met coal customers to take advantage of the expanded 3B Corridor.

Norfolk Southern has also recently helped to expand a paper mill located along the corridor, partnering with Packaging Corporation of America.

“Norfolk Southern is focused on delivering long-term value through collaboration and innovation with our customers and their markets… Our comprehensive approach is all about being there for our customers’ needs today and being ready to handle the next phase of their business tomorrow.”

~ Ed Elkins, Norfolk Southern EVP and Chief Marketing Officer

3B Corridor

The 3B Corridor is aligned with the Port of Mobile which contributes $85 billion in annual economic value to Alabama, according to Norfolk Southern. It currently runs through Birmingham and Selma before arriving in Mobile.

The corridor represents an important segment of Norfolk Southern’s annual traffic, serving critical industries like:

• Agriculture
• Automotive
• Chemicals
• Forestry
• Steel

“This is proof that our open for business approach is attracting growth in our state among world-class businesses looking to locate or expand their operation. We look forward to the positive impact these enhancements will have on Alabama’s economic competitiveness and on the nation’s supply chain more broadly.”

~ Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce Ellen McNair

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