April 29, 2025

Winston Salem Southbound (WSSB) Yard Upgrade at High Point Yard in North Carolina

R. J. Corman Railroad Services Non-Emergency Division team successfully completed and upgraded a crucial section of the Winston Salem Southbound (WSSB) at High Point Yard in North Carolina. This project represents a significant milestone in our commitment to enhancing infrastructure and delivering exceptional service to our valued customers. 

The WSSB Yard Upgrade Project involved comprehensive improvements, including the relay of 28,779 linear feet of rail, replacement of 3,842 ties, installation of 13 turnouts, and 400 feet of asphalt crossings at five different streets. The team of 50 people from R. J. Corman Railroad Services Non-Emergency Division demonstrated exceptional resilience and dedication. The prep work began on November 11th, 2024, and the main tasks were completed during an 8-day shutdown starting on December 8th. The yard was back in service on time on December 16th, with an additional 4 days dedicated to quality control, making the total project duration roughly 28 days.

The project faced numerous challenges, including heavy rain and abnormally cold temperatures, which made working conditions difficult. Additionally, coordinating material deliveries and train movements in the early stages required meticulous planning and execution. One of the most significant challenges was installing new factory-built switches where old built-to-fit switches were previously used, resulting in tight install footages, track shifts, and several days of 24-hour operations. Despite these obstacles, the team delivered outstanding results.

The successful completion of the WSSB Yard Upgrade project underscores R. J. Corman Railroad Services' dedication to providing top-tier railroad infrastructure solutions. We look forward to continuing our partnership with our customers to deliver exceptional service and value.