Since installing a new speed controller for the hump at our Norris Yard in Irondale, Alabama, cars are rolling smoother, helping to ensure timely delivery for customers. The equipment safely controls the speed of railcars as they descend into the hump yard and is projected to have a life span of several decades. The Norfolk Southern Engineering team installed it over a 24-hour period in June.

Since completing the project, the new speed controller has delivered immediate results for our customers – increasing both productivity and terminal fluidity. Cars now roll smoother to their connecting train without stalling and then requiring extra resources to move them. Over the past six months, stall outs have declined 30 percent.

“Norris Yard is a strategically important location for Norfolk Southern and our customers, which is why we are making substantive, long term investments in the facility,” said Shaun McCoy, Gulf Division Superintendent. “Our new speed controller has substantially improved productivity and fluidity at Norris Yard, which allows us to serve our customers even better.”

In addition to this capital improvement, Norris Yard was selected to be NS’ first hump yard for Yard Planner, a computer-aided decision-making platform that reduces car switching. The technology allows cars to move and be assembled for outbound trains safer and more consistently. Already, the platform has improved consistency and predictability. NS is the first Class I railroad to implement Yard Planner, which will be introduced at all of our other hump yards.