Pennsylvania invests in double-stack route - railway for double-stack cars - Brief Article

Railway Age, June, 1993

With a major assist from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Conrail is clearing the way for a cross-state route that will be ready to receive its first double-stack trains by the end of 1995. The state has committed $34.2 million to the $80 million project, with Conrail providing $42.5 million and CP Rail $3.3 million. Detailed engineering design and preliminary construction work on the vertical-clearance program is now under way.

Conrail Chairman, President, and CEO James A. Hagen said the project will create 8,000 construction and related jobs, plus an estimated 22,000 permanent jobs in transportation, distribution, and related businesses. "Conrail's double-stack route from western Pennsylvania through Pittsburgh, Johnstown, Altoona, Harrisburg, and Reading to Philadelphia will contribute substantially to the Commonwealth's economic development efforts," said Hagen. "Pennsylvania businesses will be able to better serve our existing customers and attract new companies to Pennsylvania and the railroad. The double-stack route will also serve as the eastern half of a land-bridge between the West Coast and the Port of Philadelphia."