CSX opens Massachusetts double stack route

Published: January 25, 2013

Photo by Michael S. Murray

WORCESTER, Mass. – CSX Transportation has opened New England’s first main line route that can clear double stack intermodal containers. The railroad worked in conjunction with the commonwealth of Massachusetts to raise clearances on the former Boston & Albany route between the New York state line and the newly expanded intermodal terminal in Worcester.

The project involved increasing vertical clearances at 31 locations between Worcester and the state line to 21 feet. West of the New York state line, clearances have already been raised. Previously, double-stack trains destined for New England points had to stop in Syracuse, N.Y., to be converted from double-stack to single-stack configurations. The reverse occurred on westbound trains adding time and cost.

The project was part of a larger agreement with the commonwealth that enabled Massachusetts to acquire CSX lines in the Boston area to increase commuter service. In conjunction with that project, the intermodal terminal in Worcester was expanded.

“This is an excellent example of how the public and private sector can work together on projects that benefit the public, strengthen the economy, and enable highway to rail freight conversion to reduce strain on public infrastructure and serve supply chains seamlessly,” Clarence W. Gooden, CSX’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer, said.