CSX transforms Maryland yard into 'switching powerhouse' 

By Jeff Stagl, Managing Editor 

CSX’s yard in Cumberland, Maryland, long had been a clogging point for merchandise traffic moving between points in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest due to a lack of switching capacity. 

The yard is a crucial processing point for the freight CSX moves between the Northeast corridor and Midwest outlets. Yet, there previously wasn’t enough track to switch all the rail cars, many of which could get to their destination faster if they could flow more quickly through the facility. 

But now, the 3.5 mile-long, 95-acre yard is being counted on to be a speedier car processor after a recently completed transformation project nearly doubled switching capacity. By increasing the yard’s switching capability and improving traffic flow in the region, CSX can eliminate thousands of car touches and millions of out-of-route miles for Midwest-bound traffic. 

“Over the span of just a few months, we have transformed Cumberland Yard into a switching powerhouse,” says CSX Director of Mid-Atlantic Construction Brett Sanders. 

The nearly $40 million project — which began in mid-2024 — involved removing the hump and hump tower and installing additional tracks optimized for flat switching in the classification yard. In addition, a new yard lead was built to help boost capacity from 350 cars per day. In total, three new switching leads and an additional 4,600-foot classification track were added. 

A 33-track hump classification yard and seven-track receiving yard initially were part of the yard complex. CSX previously converted the yard to remote operation in 2004 and ceased hump operations in 2017 in favor of flat switching operations. 

The project — which mostly was completed late last year — involved removing the hump and hump tower and installing additional tracks optimized for flat switching. CSX

Work was substantially completed on the transformation project in late 2024, with just some minimal tasks, such as installing more retarders, carrying over into 2025. 

Ultimately, the yard’s footprint now is better utilized, CSX officials say. The yard changes enable workers to assemble trains on two automated tracks while simultaneously moving other cars, which helps reduce car handlings and speed up operations. 

The project also included the installation of a new switching ladder to take advantage of the yard’s existing footprint. Switching leads now are equipped with automated hydraulic switches. 

The ladder incorporates an automated switching system provided by Apex Rail Automation LLC. The system links software, electronics and switches to remotely control, route and monitor yard switches. Functionalities include switch position indication, zone occupancy detection and remote switch control from a central or decentralized location. 

“This is the largest Apex switching system we’ve ever installed at CSX,” said Blair Johnson, the assistant superintendent at Cumberland Yard, in a press release. “The technology reduces hazards and creates a safer working environment for our employees.” 

The work in Cumberland, which was mostly completed in just four and a half months, could be emulated in some fashion at some other yards, says CSX Vice President of Engineering Chad Anderson. Other yards currently are under analysis, he adds. 

The Cumberland Yard transformation also is part of a broader initiative that CSX is advancing. Additional enhancement projects are underway at yards in Avon, Indiana; Montgomery, Alabama; Hamlet, North Carolina; and Walbridge, Ohio. For example, two west end lead tracks will be extended to 11,000 feet at the Avon yard.