CSX Completes Major Upgrades at Willard Yard, Doubling Daily Car Capacity
Published: February 22, 2026
WILLARD, Ohio — In a significant boost to freight rail operations in the Midwest, CSX Transportation announced in January that it has finished a comprehensive series of infrastructure improvements at its Willard Yard, enhancing the facility’s role as a critical hub in the railroad’s national network.
A CSX slug set shoves on a cut of cars at the west end of Willard Yard on September 22, 2007. Wade Massie photo.The upgrades, completed over the past two years, focused on restoring underutilized portions of the Ohio yard and modernizing key track and switching infrastructure. Following the yard’s earlier conversion from a hump classification yard to flat switching operations, portions of the facility had remained dormant. CSX’s recent investment targeted these areas to improve flow, connectivity, and reliability.
Work included reconnecting the former hump area to the main classification yard using new track panels and numerous switch installations, as well as rebuilding and surfacing track that had seen little use since hump operations ended. Older power switches were converted to traditional hand-throw mechanisms to give ground crews greater control, while extensive tie replacement strengthened the yard’s overall foundation.
As a result of the improvements, Willard Yard’s daily handling capacity has increased to more than 600 railcars per day — effectively doubling its previous throughput. The facility now supports six dedicated working trains, reducing unnecessary miles and improving service reliability for customers across the region.
“This transformation has completely changed how we operate,” said Logan Rector, CSX director of track. “By restoring connectivity and upgrading infrastructure, we’ve doubled our daily car count and improved efficiency across the board. It’s a huge win for operations and for our customers.”
The project reflects CSX’s continued focus on enhancing terminal efficiency and strengthening its freight transportation network in the face of growing demand for reliable, high-capacity rail service.
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