Norfolk Southern advances Alabama rail freight infrastructure project
Norfolk Southern is advancing a rail infrastructure improvement programme in Alabama following the selection of Kimley-Horn as engineering partner for the R.E.D.E.S.I.G.N Alabama project, which aims to improve freight train movements and reduce delays at railroad crossings.
The development was marked during an event in Birmingham on 19 October, attended by representatives of Norfolk Southern and federal, state and local authorities. The appointment moves the project into its next phase of engineering, environmental review and project development.
The programme focuses on rail infrastructure around Birmingham, Trussville and Norfolk Southern’s Norris Yard, combining improvements to freight operations with measures intended to enhance road access and community safety.
Planned rail capacity improvements near Norris Yard
A central component of the project involves approximately 11 miles of planned train storage and waiting capacity near Norris Yard, designed to improve the movement of freight trains entering and leaving the facility.
These areas, described as train landing zones, would allow trains to wait near the yard without unnecessarily obstructing crossings elsewhere in the network.
The project also includes a proposed two-mile extension of a railroad siding in Trussville into Norris Yard. According to Norfolk Southern, the extension would allow approaching and departing trains to pass more efficiently while reducing disruption to road traffic.
Together, the planned improvements are intended to strengthen rail freight flow through the Birmingham area and address operational constraints associated with train movements near the yard.
Project includes new bridges and underpasses
Alongside the freight infrastructure improvements, R.E.D.E.S.I.G.N Alabama includes several proposed measures to reduce conflicts between road and rail traffic.
The programme предусматривает the closure of nine railroad crossings between Woodlawn and Trussville, with traffic redirected to new grade-separated crossings.
Planned infrastructure includes an underpass at Brussels Avenue, a pedestrian underpass near 59th Street and a road bridge at Mary Taylor Road.
Additional works would extend 5th Avenue South to Brussels Avenue and introduce a sidewalk connection along part of the corridor.
The proposed changes are intended to improve neighborhood connectivity, reduce delays caused by blocked crossings and provide more reliable access for emergency vehicles.
Engineering and environmental review to follow
R.E.D.E.S.I.G.N Alabama is being developed through a public-private partnership involving Norfolk Southern, the cities of Birmingham and Trussville, and federal funding under the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) programme.
The project also includes financial contributions from Norfolk Southern and local partners, although the announcement does not specify the total investment value.
Following its selection, Kimley-Horn will support the engineering and environmental review activities required to advance the proposed improvements.
The appointment represents progress in the project’s development rather than the start or completion of construction.
Once implemented, the improvements are expected to support more efficient freight train movements around Norris Yard while reducing the impact of railroad operations on surrounding communities.
