ON AUGUST 11 CSX unveiled plans to expand capacity on its main lines between Chicago and Florida and between Albany and New York City.
Rising demand has prompted CSX to increase its investment programme, and capital expenditure in each of the next two years is expected to total between $1·3bn and $1·4bn, compared with about $1bn annually in 2003-05.
Starting in early 2006, CSX plans to build new and longer passing loops, upgrade signalling and make other infrastructure improvements to expand capacity and enhance operational reliability. ’Our goal is to make targeted investments for reliability and growth while increasing our customer service levels and financial results’, said Chairman, President & CEO Michael Ward.
CSX anticipates annual revenue growth of 4% to 6% over the next five years thanks to increased consumption in the USA, a rise in imports and growing capacity pressures on all transport modes.
H On August 2 CSX and UP announced plans to launch a dedicated unit train service to carry fresh produce such as apples, pears, onions and potatoes from Wallula, Washington, to Albany, New York, in 124h. Expected to start in the first quarter of 2006 under an agreement with Railex LLC, it will be formed of 55 new refrigerated vans with enhanced insulation, energy-efficient cooling, GPS and temperature monitoring. n
