Avon, IN Railyards

Overview of the Intermodal Railyards

Avon Yard, officially known as CSX Avon Yard, is a 312-acre classification facility operated by CSX Transportation. The yard features 65 classification tracks, a modern hump yard, and direct connections to the CSX Indianapolis Terminal Subdivision, supporting manifest, intermodal, and bulk commodity traffic.

The Avon Intermodal Facility, adjacent to the classification yard, provides seamless transfer between rail and truck, handling containers, trailers, and specialized cargo. The site is equipped with automated cranes, on-dock truck access, and 24/7 operations for rapid throughput.

Market Size and Economic Impact

Avon’s rail complex handles over 100,000 railcars and 60,000 intermodal units annually, supporting a regional logistics sector valued at over $2.5 billion. The yard directly supports more than 1,200 jobs and underpins the Indianapolis metro’s ranking as a top 10 U.S. freight hub.

Competitive Landscape

• CSX Transportation: Operates Avon Yard, a major classification and intermodal terminal with direct Midwest and Southeast connections
• Norfolk Southern: Interchange access via Indianapolis, supporting regional carload and bulk commodity flows through shared corridors
• Infrastructure Investments: Ongoing CSX upgrades include new switching technology, expanded track capacity, and yard automation

Opportunities

• Midwest Distribution: Growth in e-commerce and regional warehousing drives higher intermodal and carload volumes through Avon
• Automotive Logistics: Proximity to Indiana’s auto manufacturing corridor creates opportunities for finished vehicle and parts shipments
• Cross-Border Trade: NAFTA/USMCA trade expansion increases demand for efficient Midwest-to-Mexico and Canada rail corridors

Challenges

• Capacity Constraints: Peak season surges and growing e-commerce volumes challenge yard throughput and dwell times
• Aging Infrastructure: Legacy yard assets require ongoing modernization to maintain reliability and safety
• Urban Encroachment: Residential and commercial development near the yard increases noise and access concerns

Trade and Logistics Trends

• Intermodal Expansion: Steady growth in containerized freight from Midwest distribution centers
• Bulk Commodities: Strong volumes in grain, aggregates, and chemicals support regional industry
• Automotive Traffic: Consistent flows of finished vehicles and parts to and from Indiana assembly plants

Future Outlook

• Capacity Upgrades: CSX plans to expand classification tracks and intermodal staging to accommodate projected volume growth
• Automation Initiatives: Implementation of advanced yard management systems and remote-controlled switching
• Sustainability Efforts: Investments in fuel-efficient locomotives and yard electrification to reduce emissions

Recommendations

• Yard Modernization: Accelerate replacement of legacy infrastructure and expand automation for higher throughput
• Regional Collaboration: Strengthen partnerships with local governments and shippers to optimize last-mile connectivity
• Workforce Development: Invest in training and recruitment to support advanced rail operations and technology adoption