The Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) has awarded a $735,882 grant to Ashland Railway (ASRY). The grant will be used toward a $1.4 million project that includes installation of approximately 3000 feet of new track and seven turnouts and expansion of ASRY’s Mansfield Yard. The project also includes ultrasonic Rail Flaw Detection (RFD) on 23 miles of ASRY’s Willard Line and replacement of rail identified as defective.
Expansion of the Mansfield Yard consists of the reconnection of stub-ended tracks and the extension of several yard tracks to improve the operational efficiency of switching and blocking of cars and increase usable car storage in the yard. ASRY estimates that the improvements will open up 80 car spots in the yard.
“The Yard rehab project will add much needed carload space, which will allow Ashland Railway to overcome a capacity problem that has been an issue in the past,” stated Bob Thompson, Ashland Railway roadmaster. “It will allow for more car storage in the longer tracks, and the newly connected rehabbed tracks will be used for switching and blocking of cars to increase operational efficiency.”
“This project is an excellent example of how investments in shortline railroads in the state have positive economic impacts on the region,” said Matthew Dietrich, ORDC executive director. “By improving the rail infrastructure, ORDC is not only leveraging railroad investment but also improving the infrastructure needed to provide rail service to multiple companies in Ohio.”