CSX Celebrates July Maintenance Marathon

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., July 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- CSX (NYSE: CSX) employees today kicked off an eight-day maintenance marathon, designed to complete work that would normally take 18 weeks. This accelerated timeline will be accomplished by temporarily re-routing traffic on the CSX main line in portions of three southeastern states to give workers uninterrupted time for upgrades and repairs.

"Thanks to our dedicated employees, we're able to complete an incredible amount of work, while minimizing disruptions to our customers, to keep rail traffic moving safely and reliably," said Oscar Munoz, executive vice president and chief operating officer. "We call it a jamboree because of the strong teamwork and camaraderie that has developed over the years during this maintenance blitz."

The timing of the maintenance takes advantage of historically lighter rail volume during the Fourth of July holiday week. This year the work will focus on key routes between Shelby, Ky. and Spartanburg S.C. and from Bostic to Monroe, N.C.

Nearly two-thirds of CSX's network-wide system production teams, as well as division engineering teams, signal teams and bridge forces are involved in the jamboree. Crews will replace or install more than 64,000 cross ties and 150,000 linear feet of rail, while smoothing and shaping the track roadbed and ballast over 40 track miles. Road crossings will be upgraded, and CSX has coordinated temporary closings and motor vehicle traffic re-routing, where necessary, through local government agencies.

The jamboree is part of CSX's $2.3 billion capital spend for 2013, designed to help enhance the network in advance of increased demand for freight transportation services – estimated to more than double nationwide by 2040, according to the United States Department of Transportation.

"The maintenance jamboree is a prime example of the investment and effort we dedicate to ensuring that the nation's critical rail transportation network is ready to safely meet the country's growing needs while providing terrific benefits to our environment and our economy," Munoz said.

About CSX

CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company.  It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products.  For more than 185 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development.  Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides.  It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and small farming towns alike.  More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

SOURCE CSX Transportation Inc.