Norfolk Southern’s 22-state rail network is an important part of the nation’s freight transportation system. The ability to move freight safely, efficiently, and reliably by rail is essential to businesses and households and is a cornerstone of the U.S. economy.
Nowhere is this more critical than in Pennsylvania. Norfolk Southern’s operations in the Commonwealth are a core part of the company’s rail system and the movement of freight between the Midwest and the East Coast.
To enhance the efficiency of freight rail movement through Pennsylvania, Norfolk Southern has proposed the Pittsburgh Vertical Clearance projects. As part of a public-private partnership with Pennsylvania and PennDOT, Norfolk Southern has developed a series of projects designed to increase the height clearance for trains moving through Pittsburgh and southwest Pennsylvania.
Purpose and Need
The proposed Pittsburgh Vertical Clearance projects will enable Norfolk Southern to move freight and people more efficiently through Pittsburgh and southwest Pennsylvania and connect industries and businesses to consumer markets on the East Coast and in the Midwest. The projects support jobs, economic growth, and national goals relating to greenhouse gas emissions and fuel efficiency. They will improve both rail and roadway networks in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.
Pittsburgh Vertical Clearance Projects Purpose and Need Statement
CULTURAL RESOURCES REPORTS FOR THE PITTSBURGH CLEARANCE PROJECTS
These reports have been prepared in accordance with the Pennsylvania State History Code.
An open process: Meeting with the community
On June 26, 2018, Norfolk Southern held a combined open house for the Pittsburgh Vertical Clearance Projects to introduce the public to the projects. An estimated 300 to 400 people attended, including North Side residents and local government leaders. NS received more than 90 written comments at the meeting, with additional comments received later by email or postal mail.
For information about the open house, including public notices, project boards displayed, and public comments received, view the Open House Summary.
A second public open house was held for the project on January 18, 2023, to present the preferred alternatives for the vertical clearance projects and to accept comments from the public. Approximately 50 people attended the open house and 24 comments were received at the meeting and via the online comment form posted on this website.
For information about the open house, including public notices, project boards displayed, and public comments received, view the Open House Summary.
ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTS
PITTSBURGH VERTICAL CLEARANCE PROJECTS
The following DRAFT document has been prepared in accordance with Pennsylvania Act 120.
Pittsburgh Vertical Clearance Projects Alternatives Analysis
FAQs: We’re glad you asked
People who attended the public open house had plenty of questions about the projects. They ranged from concerns about air quality and noise to why Pennsylvania tax dollars would be used to help fund the projects.
Read Norfolk Southern’s answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Pittsburgh Vertical Clearance Projects.
NS in Pennsylvania: An essential part of our rail network
Norfolk Southern operates more than 2,400 route miles of track in Pennsylvania, while more than 4,600 employees live and work in the Commonwealth. NS operates four intermodal terminals across Pennsylvania and serves three additional private intermodal terminals, including one in Pittsburgh. NS’ Harrisburg Intermodal Facility anchors the east end of the Pittsburgh Line, serving as a major transportation hub for shippers moving freight between Chicago and the mid-Atlantic region.
View a Fact Sheet to learn more about NS’ presence in Pennsylvania, including the railroad’s positive economic impact and the categories of freight NS moves in and out of the Commonwealth.
Rail intermodal: efficient, cost-effective, environmentally friendly
The Pittsburgh Vertical Clearance projects would create an efficient, reliable route for Norfolk Southern to operate double-stack intermodal trains and auto multilevel rail cars through the city’s North Side. A growing number of businesses are shipping goods on intermodal trains, and double-stack trains are the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to transport them.
Learn more about the benefits of rail intermodal at the Association of American Railroads’ webpage, Freight Rail & Intermodal.