Every year, across our 22-state network, Norfolk Southern invests in infrastructure that is built to last. On May 2, we completed our latest project, a railroad bridge replacement and elevation in Circleville, Ohio, a city just south of Columbus. This is just one of many projects planned for 2023. Norfolk Southern spends $1 billion annually on its infrastructure to improve safety and to enable resilient service for its customers.

The project replaced the prior bridge’s three-span open deck, with a single span ballast deck bridge. The result is a stronger and safer infrastructure. The new steel bridge is expected to last for 100 or more years and will require significantly less maintenance.

“The bridge replacement in Circleville is just the latest example of our commitment to innovation, safety, and infrastructure development,” said Ed Boyle, Norfolk Southern Vice President of Engineering. “With meticulous planning, advanced engineering techniques, and the dedication of our skilled team, we are proud to have replaced an aging structure with a state-of-the-art bridge that will serve transportation needs for generations to come.”

In addition to being safer, the design allows for more timely deliveries for our customers. The previous design limited the speed freight could travel. Trains can now operate at their designated 60-mile-per-hour speed. Approximately 18-20 trains cross the bridge daily, transporting nearly all commodities shipped by Norfolk Southern, including intermodal containers, agriculture products, and coal.