Challenges in an Urban Setting:Norfolk Southern Additional Main Line Around Inman Yard in Atlanta, Georgia

摘要

Norfolk Southern Railway's Inman Yard is a major intermodal terminal located just north of downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The yard also serves as a local switching yard and is the site of the Norfolk Southern (NS) systemwide rail welding plant. In 2006, NS determined that the current double track route around the yard did not provide adequate capacity for the numerous through freight trains and the Amtrak Crescent; these trains must contend with the numerous train movements into and out of the yard. NS retained HDR Engineering, Inc. to design a new 3.2 mile additional main line track to improve rail traffic flows. Working in an urban environment presented a number of unique challenges in a limited right-of way. Grading for the project ranged from compacted 25-foot fills to 45-foot rock cuts. Three soil nail walls totaling over 1900 linear feet were constructed to retain adjacent ground to provide room to build the new main. Approximately 1-1/4 mile of existing main line track was shifted to allow construction of the new main track. The 200-foot long Hollywood Road overpass, constructed in 1911 and modified in 1956, was not wide enough to allow the new main to be built below it and it was replaced. The project also included: relocation of fiber optic cable and a diesel fuel pipeline; modifications to yard lighting and electrical facilities; construction of permanent traffic signals at two intersections; and purchase of a private residence. The project was completed in spring of 2010 at a total cost of approximately $27,000,000.