CSX to possibly close Selkirk hump yard, convert to flat switching NEWSWIRE

SELKIRK, N.Y. — CSX Transportation may be in the earliest stages of converting its Selkirk hump yard to a flat switching facility. Labor groups representing local train service workers sent out notices to Selkirk-area railroaders that CSX would start to shutdown its hump yard operations in the coming weeks, according to Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen document forwarded to Trains News Wire. The Albany (N.Y.) Times-Union reports similar information.

The yard, like several others in recent weeks, would serve as a flat-switching facility only, according to the document. CSX has made similar changes to its local operations at former hump yards in Atlanta; Louisville, Ky.; and near Toledo, Ohio; since CEO E. Hunter Harrison took the top spot at CSX.

Sources familiar with the matter say doing away with Selkirk’s hump yard operations would mean more mainline switching for freight trains serving upstate New York. While it could mean additional work opportunities for mainline crews, local sources believe that the change in operations could result in the abolishment of some local yard jobs.

CSX representative Laura Phelps tells Trains News Wire that CSX has not made any announcement about changes to operations in Selkirk, but says that the railroad’s management team is continuing to take a comprehensive review of the company’s operations. She says that as any changes are made, they will communicate them to employees, customers, and other stakeholders who may be affected. 

Selkirk Yard is a former New York Central hump yard and is one of CSX’s largest rail yards in the Northeast.