Norfolk Southern has ordered 40 new ES44AC freight locomotives from Wabtec, its first new locomotive purchase since 2022. The locomotives are scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2026, according to the US Class I operator.
The locomotives will be built by Wabtec and delivered to Norfolk Southern’s Chattanooga, Tennessee, maintenance facility for commissioning and final preparation. Financial terms of the order were not disclosed.
The ES44AC locomotives are equipped with Wabtec Evolution Series diesel engines and AC traction systems. Norfolk Southern stated that the units will replace older locomotives as part of its ongoing DC-to-AC fleet modernisation programme.
Norfolk Southern plans to use emissions credits accumulated through previous fleet upgrades in cooperation with Wabtec to support the acquisition. The operator currently has around 1,600 high-horsepower locomotives in active service.
East Edge double-stack corridor between Chicago and New England
Norfolk Southern has launched East Edge, a fully cleared double-stack intermodal corridor linking Chicago with New England. The operator said the new route reduces transit times by up to 10 hours and required infrastructure investment of USD 70m, equivalent to approximately EUR 64m.
The corridor connects Chicago with the Ayer, Massachusetts, intermodal terminal and replaces a single-stack route with a double-stack capable alignment. Norfolk Southern stated that the route can support 9,000-foot double-stack intermodal trains.
Infrastructure works covered multiple states and included track renewals, bridge and tunnel clearance works, level crossing upgrades and signalling enhancements. Three bridges in Massachusetts were raised by up to 18 inches, while tunnel clearance works were carried out in Worcester using a direct-fastened track system.
The project was delivered in cooperation with Berkshire & Eastern Railroad, Providence & Worcester Railroad, state transport authorities and another Class I railroad. Norfolk Southern said the corridor also increases available capacity for automotive, bulk and merchandise traffic on the Pan Am Southern network.
Norfolk Southern is continuing clearance works in western Pennsylvania as part of its wider network-wide double-stack programme, with completion scheduled for 2028.
