More Wednesday morning rail news:
Short line derailment, bridge collapses closes Pennsylvania highway
A train derailment and bridge collapse have closed a state highway in Indiana County, Pa. The Indiana Gazette reports the derailment has occurred near Starford, Pa., closing State Route 1014. The location is on the R.J. Corman Pennsylavania lines. Photos on the newspaper site show one hopper car dangling over a roadway where the bridge has collapsed, as well as several overturned hopper cars. No injuries were reported.
Planned NS transload facility faces opposition over site’s history
A Norfolk Southern effort to build a new transloading facility in Atlanta is facing opposition from neighbors and Atlanta’s city government, who feel the site — a former brick plant which used mostly Black prisoner labor, some of whom died working at the facility — should be preserved to recognize its history. The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports NS says it will include a memorial on the site to recognize the events at the Chattahoochee Brick plant, will comply with all local regulations,and will work with a state program to clean up the land. But a letter signed by every member of Atlanta’s city council called the proposal a “completely undesirable development on a unique and sacred site.” Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said she is aware of the issue but did not want to say more because of the potential for litigation.
Carter named president of Amsted Rail
Michael Carter has been named the new president of Amsted Rail, succeeding the retiring John Wories. Carter has spent 30 years at multiple divisions of Amsted, most recently as president of Amsted Seals. “Michael has a passion for results, leadership skills and understanding of Amsted Rail’s culture, customers, strategy, people and products,” Stephen Smith, chairman and CEO of Amsted Industries, said in a press release. “I’m confident he will lead Amsted Rail as its core business continues to provide premier value to our customers while maximizing operational efficiency and cash flow.” Amsted Rail makes truck assemblies and end-of-car components.
