I heard that CSX is going to build a new ramp at Chambersburg, PA to serve southern and central PA along with the outlying Philly market. Looking at a CSX map, it appears that traffic from Chicago to Chambersburg would have to go over Sand Patch Grade, then up a branch line to Chambersburg. If I recall, the branch breaks off of the main at Cumberland, MD, then follows the C&O Canal to Chambersburg. It looks like that line has a LOT of curvature and presumably some grade. Any info about that piece of the route would be appreciated.
Thanks - Stack
I think they will bypass the Sandpatch and get it in from the Harrisburg area.
CSX Intermodal operates semi-independently from CSX Transportation and is free to strike up service arrangements with other carriers. Traffic that would travel from Chicago to Chambersburg would operate over Sand Patch grade through Cumberland to Cherry Run, WV where it would use the former WM from Cherry Run through Hagerstown to Chambersburg. This project has been in the planning stage for over 5 years.
The location is set. It will on he south side of Chambersburg, just south of Wayne Avenue. It is right next to Interstate 81 (Exit 14) giving them easy access for the trucks. CSX ownes the property. The old Western Maryland line runs through the property so rail access is set. They will bring the trains up from Hagerstown or down from Harrisburg, switch onto the old WM line off the NS tracks at the Orchard Park Industrial park about a half mile west.