CSX has completed a series of major infrastructure improvements at its Willard Yard, advancing the terminal’s role as a critical hub in the railroad’s network and doubling its daily car capacity.

The upgrades, finalized over the past two years, focused on restoring connectivity and optimizing operations at the Ohio facility. Following a conversion from a hump yard to flat switching several years ago, portions of the yard had remained underutilized. The recent projects targeted these dormant areas to improve flow and reliability.

Key infrastructure work included reconnecting the former hump area to the classification yard with new track panels and installing multiple new switches. Older power switches were converted to hand-throw mechanisms to provide better control for ground crews. Additionally, crews rebuilt and surfaced tracks that had been idle since humping operations ended, while extensive tie replacement strengthened the yard’s overall foundation.

The operational impact of these investments has been immediate. Willard Yard now handles more than 600 cars per day, effectively doubling its previous capacity. The facility now supports six working trains that stop to drop off and pick up cars along their routes, a change that reduces unnecessary miles and improves service times.

“This transformation has completely changed how we operate,” said Logan Rector, director of track at CSX. “By restoring connectivity and upgrading infrastructure, we’ve doubled our daily car count and improved efficiency across the board. It’s a huge win for operations and for our customers.”

The project reflects the company’s focus on operational excellence and delivering excellent service. By revitalizing underused infrastructure, the railroad aims to drive long-term performance and service reliability for freight customers.

-via Press Release