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NS and NY replacing 140 year old bridge over Genesse River Gorge


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#1 CNJRoss

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Posted 15 October 2014 - 12:29 AM

NS Shipper Alert, 10/14:

Portageville, NY Bridge Outage

Oct 14, 2014

At approximately 11:00am this morning, the Portageville, NY bridge (MP SR361.66) between Buffalo and Binghamton was taken out of service for an emergency repair. We have personnel on-site evaluating the situation but repairs are expected to take several hours.

Currently all trains running East of Buffalo and West of Binghamton have been stopped. This impacts traffic moving between Chicago/Toledo and Mechanicville/Ayer. Local NS traffic from Chicago/Toledo to Buffalo will not be impacted by the bridge outage. Further updates will be sent as soon as they become available.

We regret any inconvenience this may cause our customers.

#2 CNJRoss

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Posted 15 October 2014 - 06:23 PM

NS Shipper Alert, 10/15:

Portageville, NY Bridge Outage Update

Oct 15, 2014

The Portageville, NY bridge was placed back in service late last night. Trains running between Chicago/Toledo and Mechanicville/Ayer incurred delays of about 12 hours.

We regret any inconvenience this caused our customers.

#3 CNJRoss

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Posted 02 January 2015 - 11:05 AM

ProgressiveRailroading.com, 1/2:
 

FHWA approval ends environmental review stage for NS bridge replacement in New York

 

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has issued a record of decision for the design and construction of a new Portageville Bridge in Letchworth State Park along Norfolk Southern Railway's Southern Tier Line, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday.

 

Built in 1875, the bridge spans Portage and Genesee Falls, N.Y. A new $71 million bridge will be constructed south of the existing structure over the Genesee River.

 

The FHWA approval completes the last step of the project's environmental review and enables NS to move forward with implementing a construction plan for an arch structure. Construction is slated to begin later this year and take about three years to complete.

 

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#4 CNJRoss

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Posted 29 October 2015 - 07:36 AM

NS news release:

 

Norfolk Southern and New York State begin replacement of key Portageville rail bridge in support of Southern Tier economy

 

CASTILE, N.Y., Oct. 28, 2015 – Supporting jobs and the economy of New York’s Southern Tier, Norfolk Southern, the New York State Department of Transportation, and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, alongside numerous other supporters, broke ground today on a new $70 million steel arch railroad bridge in Letchworth State Park.

 

The new single-track bridge – expected to take about three years to construct – will be 900 feet long and located about 75 feet south of the current iron truss bridge, which spans the Genesee River Gorge. NS also will construct 1,200 feet of new track on either side of the gorge to align existing tracks with the new bridge.

 

“This successful public-private partnership underscores the strong confidence we all have in the ongoing potential of the Southern Tier,” said James A. Squires, Norfolk Southern chairman, president and CEO. “Norfolk Southern has a robust bridge program, and the new Portageville Bridge will be a testament to today’s expert engineers and the craftsmanship of today’s railroaders. We expect this project will start a new rail legacy for Letchworth State Park and the Southern Tier.”

 

When completed, the new bridge will be the linchpin of a vibrant Norfolk Southern rail line that helps businesses in Buffalo and the Southern Tier regions connect with markets east and west. Among the New York-based entities to benefit from the new bridge will be 10 short line railroads that serve local businesses and connect them to the Norfolk Southern network.

 

“This project is critical to the economy of the Southern Tier,” said New York State Sen. Patrick Gallivan. “The current bridge has served the region well for 140 years, but it must be replaced with a modern span that can meet the transportation needs of the 21st century. In addition to the construction jobs this project will create, the bridge will serve and support businesses throughout the region for years to come.” 

 

The budget for the bridge project includes $3 million in design costs and $2.5 million in construction costs from the New York Department of Transportation; a $2 million grant from the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council; and a $10 million grant from the U.S. Federal Highway Administration. Norfolk Southern will contribute the balance. Construction is expected to begin by the end of 2015.

 

“Maintaining a safe, modern freight rail network throughout New York State is critical to supporting business and generating economic activity,” said Matthew J. Driscoll, New York State Department of Transportation commissioner. “The new Portageville Bridge will be a beautiful and more efficient addition to Letchworth State Park and is one more example of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s commitment to New York State’s rail network.”

 

“The Portageville Bridge project is a great example of building better infrastructure through partnerships between governments at the local, state, and federal level and the private sector,” said Michael Canavan, FHWA New York Division chief operating officer. “FHWA is proud to be a part of it.  New York now has a bridge across the Genesee River that will move long distance freight more efficiently by rail while protecting the beautiful Letchworth State Park for the good of residents, neighbors, and visitors.”

 

The Erie Railroad built the current wrought-iron bridge in 1875, and while it has served several railroad owners from the Erie Lackawanna Railroad to Conrail, its current condition can no longer efficiently handle modern-day freight rail transportation. Currently, Norfolk Southern must slow freight trains crossing the bridge to 10 mph, and freight car weights must be reduced 13,000 pounds below the industry standard.

 

“Our customers look to Norfolk Southern for a 21st century transportation option that’s safe, reliable, and efficient,” said Jim Carter, Norfolk Southern chief engineer bridge and structures. “The way we meet this demand is to have a dependable infrastructure. We look to this new Portageville Bridge as a critical part of the Southern Tier’s success story.”

 

“The replacement Portageville Bridge will continue to complement the natural beauty of Letchworth State Park, while removing a longtime transportation bottleneck,” said Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council co-chairs, University of Rochester President Joel Seligman and Wegmans Food Markets CEO Danny Wegman.  “Breaking ground on this project underscores the importance of private and state partners collaborating to accommodate the freight rail transportation that is so critical to our region’s economic viability. We are pleased that the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council is supporting this major infrastructure project.”

 

The current bridge will remain open during construction of the new arch bridge and then be dismantled. During construction, the Portage entrance to Letchworth State Park will be closed to vehicular traffic. The nearby Castile entrance has been enhanced and will accommodate additional vehicular traffic. Additionally, the Mary Jemison, Finger Lakes and Gorge trails, and the Highbridge parking lot will be closed during construction.

 

State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey said, “State Parks congratulates our partners at DOT and Norfolk Southern on the start of this important economic development project. The new bridge was thoughtfully designed to frame the view of the magnificent gorge for all who visit the nation’s favorite state park.”

 

Letchworth State Park

 

letchworth-9.jpg



#5 CNJRoss

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Posted 12 December 2017 - 12:04 PM

NS news release:
 

Norfolk Southern begins running trains over new Portageville Bridge, expanding economic opportunities for New York’s Southern Tier and New England

 

 

CASTILE, N.Y., Dec. 11, 2017 – After two years of construction across a 235-foot-deep river gorge in Letchworth State Park, Norfolk Southern has begun operating trains across the new Portageville Bridge on its Southern Tier Line.

 

Known regionally as the Portage Bridge, the 963-foot-long steel arch railroad span will support economic growth and jobs across New York’s Southern Tier region, connecting businesses from Buffalo to Albany with markets east and west. The new bridge will speed up train traffic and enable Norfolk Southern to run heavier rail car loads over the line, eliminating a major rail bottleneck for freight shippers.

 

The $75-million single-track bridge, which spans the Genesee River Gorge, was funded through a public-private partnership among Norfolk Southern, the New York State Department of Transportation, and the Federal Highway Administration.

 

At 2:20 p.m. Monday, Norfolk Southern’s 36T, an eastbound general merchandise train running from Buffalo to Allentown, Pa., with stops in Corning and Binghamton, N.Y., became the first to run across the new bridge.

 

“This is a very exciting day for Norfolk Southern and for the future of freight rail service in New York’s Southern Tier region,” said James A. Squires, chairman, president and CEO. “The successful completion of this bridge is an excellent demonstration of how the public and private sectors can work together on freight transportation projects that generate significant public benefits and are vital to U.S. commerce. It’s also a testament to Norfolk Southern’s robust bridge program and the ingenuity of engineers and railroaders.”

 

“The new Portageville Bridge complements the beauty of Letchworth State Park while providing safer, more efficient freight rail service,” said New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo. “Through a combined effort with Norfolk Southern, government leaders and the public, we have built a modern arch bridge which will support economic growth in the region and continue our drive to strengthen and modernize transportation infrastructure across the state for generations to come.”

In addition to enhancing rail safety and operating efficiencies, the new bridge expands freight capacity and business opportunities for shippers from the Midwest to New England. With the new bridge, Norfolk Southern can now transport rail cars over the Southern Tier Line loaded to the industry standard 286,000 pounds, a key benefit for customers. The old iron truss bridge it replaces, built in 1875 by the Erie Railroad, was unable to support modern freight rail needs – car weights had to be reduced 13,000 pounds below the standard, while train speed was restricted to 10 mph. Trains crossing the new bridge will operate at up to 30 mph.

 

“I’m immensely pleased with the revitalization of the Portageville Bridge,” said New York State Assemblyman David DiPietro. “Investing in infrastructure and supporting businesses that create it is central to a strong economy. The jobs created by these ventures and the efforts surrounding the Portageville Bridge are vital to our local economy. Creating opportunities to expand both business markets and infrastructure is something we must always stress, and this is the perfect union to achieve that.”

 

Among New York-based businesses benefitting from the new bridge are 10 short line railroads that service and connect local industries to Norfolk Southern’s network. Norfolk Southern transports freight over the Southern Tier Line for about 1,100 customers in more than 20 states. The line serves as a gateway for trade with Canada and provides a connection to New York City and New England markets.

 

“This new, state-of-the art bridge over the Genesee River Gorge is an engineering marvel and will enhance train traffic across the region,” said New York State Sen. Patrick M. Gallivan. “It also complements the beauty of Letchworth State Park and helps to restore the river to its natural state for the first time in nearly 150 years. This public-private sector project, funded by New York State, the Federal Highway Administration, and Norfolk Southern, will serve our community for decades.”

 

The design and construction budget for the bridge project included $15.5 million provided through New York State, including a $2 million grant from the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council and $13.5 million in state and federal funds through the New York State Department of Transportation; and $59.5 million from Norfolk Southern.

 

The bridge’s arch design minimizes the railroad’s environmental footprint in the Genesee River Gorge and complements the scenic vistas found in Letchworth State Park.

 



#6 CNJRoss

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Posted 12 December 2017 - 12:08 PM

Railway Gazette, 12/12/17:
 

Norfolk Southern opens replacement Portageville Bridge

 

csm_tn_us-ns-Portageville_Bridge_15c16b8
 

 

USA: Norfolk Southern has opened the new Portageville Bridge, a 294 m long steel arch span across the 72 m deep Genesee River gorge in Letchworth State Park on its Southern Tier Line in New York state.

 

The structure replaces an iron truss bridge built by the Erie Railroad in 1875, which had itself replaced a wooden structure that had burned down. The second bridge has now been replaced because it was creating a bottleneck for freight traffic, being unable to support industry standard axleloads and limiting train speeds to 16 km/h compared to 48 km/h on the new structure.

 

The $75m budget for the two-year project included $59·5m from Norfolk Southern, a $2m grant from the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council and $13·5m in state and federal funding.

 

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#7 CNJRoss

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Posted 24 May 2018 - 12:49 PM

NS news release:
 

Norfolk Southern and New York State usher in a modern era for freight rail with dedication of new railroad bridge – the Genesee Arch Bridge

 

Supports jobs and economic opportunities across New York’s Southern Tier and Finger Lakes

 

 

CASTILE, N.Y., May 24, 2018 – Ushering in a modern era for freight rail in New York’s Southern Tier, Norfolk Southern (NYSE: NSC) and New York State officials, along with many supporters, today dedicated a new steel arch railroad bridge that spans the “Grand Canyon of the East.”

 

Surrounded by scenic Letchworth State Park, the $75-million bridge expands freight rail capacity and economic opportunities for businesses and communities across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes. Constructed through a public-private partnership, the single-track arch structure replaced a 19th-century-era bridge that restricted train speeds and rail car weights and had become a major transportation bottleneck.

 

In recognition of a new beginning, Norfolk Southern CEO James A. Squires announced that the bridge, which spans the 235-foot-deep Genesee River Gorge, has been named the Genesee Arch Bridge. That name received the most votes during a bridge-naming campaign on social media.

 

“The successful partnership we are here to celebrate demonstrates that big things can be accomplished when the private sector and the public sector work together to achieve common goals,” Squires said. “The new Genesee Arch Bridge is literally a bridge to the future. It represents our shared commitment to support jobs and economic growth that will benefit businesses and communities across New York for generations to come.”

 

Norfolk Southern partnered on the project with the New York State Department of Transportation, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council, and the Federal Highway Administration.

 

“This beautiful new rail bridge is going to help modernize freight rail service and improve the safety and reliability of this critical connection,” said New York State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Paul A. Karas. “Gov. Andrew Cuomo is improving transportation infrastructure across New York State and this new bridge is an important step that will boost commerce in the region and across the state.”

 

Located between Buffalo and Binghamton on the railroad’s Southern Tier Line, the 963-foot-long bridge connects New York businesses to markets in the Midwest and New England, trade with Canada, and access to New York City. After two years of construction, Norfolk Southern began operating trains in December over the new span, constructed 75 feet south of the former bridge.

 

In addition to enhancing rail safety and operating efficiencies, the new span enables Norfolk Southern to transport rail cars loaded to the industry standard 286,000 pounds, an important benefit for shippers. The old iron truss bridge it replaced – built in 1875 by the Erie Railroad and unable to support modern freight rail needs – created supply-chain inefficiencies. Rail car weights had to be reduced 13,000 pounds below the standard, and train speed was restricted to 10 mph. Trains crossing the new bridge are operating at up to 30 mph with fully loaded cars.

 

New York-based businesses benefitting include 10 short line railroads that service and connect local industries to Norfolk Southern’s network. Norfolk Southern transports freight across the Southern Tier for about 1,100 customers in more than 20 states.

 

New York State funded $15.5 million for the bridge’s design and construction, including a $2 million grant from the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council and $13.5 million in state and federal funds through the New York State Department of Transportation. Norfolk Southern invested $59.5 million. The project qualified for funding through the Federal Highway Administration’s Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality improvement program, in recognition of freight rail’s environmental benefits of reduced carbon emissions compared with shipping goods by truck.

 

“This modern engineering marvel demonstrates Norfolk Southern’s commitment to meet our customers’ transportation needs while being good stewards of the environment,” said Vice President Engineering Phil Merilli. “Only a few arch bridges of this type have been built by the rail industry in the past century, making this a truly unique experience.”

 

Through the partnership, Norfolk Southern improved trails and public access to Letchworth State Park and preserved portions of the old bridge for use in historical exhibits. The new bridge’s arch design minimizes the railroad’s environmental footprint in the Genesee River and frames a striking view of the river gorge.

 

“The completion of this new rail bridge complements the beauty of Letchworth State Park as park visitors will continue to marvel at one of the more impressive structures spanning the picturesque Genesee River gorge,” said New York State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey. “I applaud Gov. Cuomo for taking the necessary actions that have resulted in a safer, more efficient rail bridge that will serve the Genesee and Finger Lakes communities for many years to come.”

 

State Sen. Patrick M. Gallivan said: “The dedication of the new Genesee Arch Bridge is a celebration of years of planning and hard work. We can all marvel at the ingenuity of the engineers who designed the bridge in such a way that it not only meets the transportation needs of the 21st century, it restores the Genesee River to its natural state and complements the beauty of Letchworth State Park. This new span will support the economy of the Southern Tier for years to come and is a symbol of our bright future.”

 

 






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