NS on Jan. 22 reported via Facebook: “Chicago [to] New England, now 10 hours faster. East Edge is our newest double-stack intermodal service, replacing a slower, single-stack operation with a modern, high-efficiency connection between Chicago and Ayer, Mass. Built for faster transit times, added capacity, and long-term growth for our customers. Did you catch the first train last week? Our D&H and Conrail heritage units led the way—history pulling the future forward!” (Screen Grab from NS Video)

NS: East Edge Double-Stack Service ‘Built for Growth’

Norfolk Southern (NS) on Jan. 21 reported launching East Edge, a newly cleared double-stack intermodal corridor connecting Chicago and New England. It replaces a single-stack route, reducing transit times by up to

(Courtesy of MDOT)

MDOT Issues $22.1B, Six-Year Capital Budget

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) on Jan. 21 released its $22.1 billion Final Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) for Fiscal Years 2026 to 2031.

POLB CEO Noel Hacegaba on Jan. 15 gave his first State of the Port address, announcing a “record-setting 2025,” with nearly 9.9 million cargo containers moved with no backlogs or delays. (POLB Photograph)

Intermodal Briefs: POLB, SC Ports

Port of Long Beach, Calif., (POLB) sets a cargo record in 2025 and expects 2026 to be “another busy year shaped by changes in trade policies, tariff normalization and shifts in manufacturing sourcing.” Also, South Carolina Ports’ (SC Ports) Inland Port Dillon posts record rail moves in 2025.

Railway Age’s 2026 ‘Fast Trackers’ 25 Under 40 Honorees

Railway Age is pleased to announce the 25 “Fast Trackers” selected for this year’s 25 Under 40 awards program. This year’s honorees were selected from freight and passenger railroads; government entities; and

BNSF reported that 2025 was the “best year ever” for safety in the company’s 177-year history. (Photograph Courtesy of BNSF)

Class I Briefs: BNSF, NS, CSX

BNSF marks 2025 as the safest year in its history. Also, Norfolk Southern (NS) surpasses $18.2 million in charitable giving in 2025; and CSX reveals the “Spirit of Kingman” tribute on locomotive No. 8400.

(Courtesy of the B&O Railroad Museum)

B&O Railroad Museum Unveils Restored AFT No. 1

The B&O Railroad Museum on Jan. 12 unveiled the restored American Freedom Train No. 1 (AFT No. 1) in honor of the 250th anniversary of America.

(Courtesy of UP)

UP+NS Merger Application ‘Complete’? (UPDATED 1/8)

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) “should reject the efforts of a few parties … to delay and prolong this proceeding by claiming the [recently filed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern] Application [seeking authorization to

BNSF, CN, CPKC, CSX, NGFA: UP+NS Merger Application ‘Incomplete’

All four Class I railroads—BNSF, CN, CPKC, CSX—that will remain independent, at least in the short term, if the Surface Transportation Board approves the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger, have given the application

This year, we made meaningful investments across our network to improve our railroad, our industry, and the communities we serve. (NS Photograph)

Class I Briefs: NS, CSX, BNSF

Norfolk Southern (NS) provides a progress report on networkwide investment in 2025. Also, CSX teams with Genesee Valley Transportation and New York & Atlantic on a new rail move in New York State; and BNSF and J.B. Hunt Transport Services honor “fallen heroes” in California.

Class I Briefs: UP, CSX, CN/CPKC

Union Pacific’s (UP) Chicago Service Unit celebrates a world-class safety achievement. Also, CSX’s Columbus, Ohio, Mechanical Team achieves 1,500 days injury-free; and the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) releases its annual Maximum Grain Revenue Entitlements for CN and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC).

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