Norfolk Southern expands 'Railroad University' training center in Georgia

Norfolk Southern Railway yesterday announced it has completed an expansion to its McDonough, Ga.-based operations training center known as "Railroad University."

The new, two-story expansion adds 23,000 square feet, which brings the total square footage of the center to 50,000. The expansion is estimated to make room for around 500 new students, which would bring the facility's total roster of students to 900, according to an NS press release.

First opened in 1974, Railroad University provides instruction for conductors, engineers, track and signal workers and other rail employees. It allows students to practice their skills along four miles of track and a four-track rail yard.

“The better we equip and train our conductors, engineers, and other craft and supervisory employees to do their jobs safely and efficiently, the more opportunity we have to achieve and surpass the level of service our customers expect and that we commit to provide," said NS Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Wick Moorman in a statement.