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    RAILYARD OPERATIONS

    Norfolk Southern Railway (NS) Railyards

    Norfolk Southern Railway is a major Class I freight railroad operating an extensive network across the eastern United States, with Atlanta serving as a critical operational and technology hub. The company plays a vital role in supporting regional and national supply chains through high-volume freight movement and advanced rail logistics.

    Railyard Overview

    The primary NS railyard in Atlanta is Inman Yard, located northwest of downtown and owned by Norfolk Southern. This facility functions as a central classification and intermodal yard, supporting both local and long-haul freight operations, and is a key node for rail traffic throughout the Southeast.

    Norfolk Southern Railway (NS) classification yard operations

    MAJOR CLASSIFICATION YARDS

    Inman Yard is a major classification yard with substantial capacity for sorting, assembling, and dispatching freight trains, handling a high volume of railcars daily to support regional and national distribution.

    INTERMODAL TERMINALS

    The yard includes a large intermodal terminal equipped for efficient container handling, featuring multiple tracks, modern cranes, and lift equipment to transfer containers between trains and trucks for seamless multimodal operations.

    Norfolk Southern Railway (NS) intermodal terminal operations

    MAJOR RAILYARD FACILITIES

    Strategic Yard Locations

    Major Yard

    Inbound trains are received on dedicated arrival tracks, where railcars undergo initial inspection for safety and mechanical compliance before being processed for further movement.

    Secondary Yard

    Classification operations use multiple tracks and advanced switching systems to sort railcars by destination, enabling efficient train assembly and rapid turnaround for outbound movements.

    SPECIALIZED FACILITIES

    Advanced Railyard Operations

    Norfolk Southern Railway (NS) automotive loading facility

    Automotive Facilities

    State-of-the-art automotive loading and unloading facilities designed to handle finished vehicles with care and efficiency. Our multilevel loading ramps and specialized equipment ensure safe handling of automobiles throughout the transportation process.

    Norfolk Southern Railway (NS) maintenance and repair facilities

    Maintenance Facilities

    The yard includes on-site maintenance facilities capable of performing routine locomotive servicing, minor repairs, and freight car inspections to ensure equipment reliability and minimize downtime.

    TECHNOLOGY & EQUIPMENT

    Advanced Railyard Technology

    Automated Systems

    Yard management relies on integrated software platforms for real-time tracking of railcars, inventory management, and efficient scheduling of train movements.

    Yard Management Systems

    Safety and communication systems include centralized dispatching, automated warning devices, and digital radio networks to coordinate yard activities and ensure compliance with safety protocols.

    Coal & Bulk Terminals

    Powder River Basin Facilities

    Gate operations utilize automated processing systems for truck entry and exit, including electronic documentation, security checks, and real-time status updates for shipments.

    Grain Elevators & Terminals

    Storage and stacking operations are managed with modern equipment, allowing for high-density container stacking and efficient retrieval to maximize terminal throughput.

    Port & Marine Connections

    Norfolk Southern Railway (NS) port terminal operations
    • Gateways
      The yard serves as a gateway for interchange with major railroads, including CSX and regional short lines, facilitating broad network connectivity.
    • Terminals
      Direct connections to major highways and nearby industrial facilities enable efficient transfer of goods between rail and road, supporting regional logistics and distribution.

    OPERATIONAL METRICS

    Railyard Performance & Capacity

    Daily Processing Volume

    The facility processes a substantial volume of trains and intermodal units daily, reflecting high throughput and continuous operations to meet customer demand.

    Infrastructure Investments

    Recent infrastructure investments have focused on expanding track capacity, upgrading terminal equipment, and implementing advanced technology systems to enhance operational efficiency and safety.

    SPECIALIZED SERVICES

    Value-Added Railyard Services

    Inspection and repair services

    Inspection & Repair Services

    Inspection services are performed in accordance with FRA regulations, including regular mechanical inspections, brake tests, and safety checks for all inbound and outbound equipment.

    Transloading and crossdocking services

    Transloading & Crossdocking

    Transloading capabilities are available for bulk commodities, allowing transfer between railcars and trucks to serve customers without direct rail access.

    SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES

    Sustainable Railyard Operations

    Safety Protocols

    Comprehensive safety protocols include employee training, hazard identification programs, and deployment of automated safety systems to reduce risk and ensure regulatory compliance.

    Environmental Stewardship

    Environmental stewardship initiatives include energy-efficient equipment, stormwater management systems, and programs to reduce emissions and promote sustainable operations.

    FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

    Railyard expansion and modernization plans

    Expansion Plans

    Planned improvements target increased capacity, enhanced automation, and expanded intermodal capabilities to support future growth and evolving customer needs.

    Challenges

    Key operational challenges include managing congestion, maintaining infrastructure reliability, and adapting to fluctuations in freight demand.

    Opportunities

    Opportunities exist in expanding intermodal services, leveraging technology for greater efficiency, and capturing new business from regional economic growth.

    Risk Mitigation

    Primary operational risks include service disruptions from severe weather, equipment failures, and potential safety incidents impacting personnel or cargo.