RailWorks performed track restoration and new track construction as part of CN’s $141 million expansion of its yard in Gary, Indiana.
RailWorks constructed new track infrastructure to improve productivity and nearly double capacity of CN's Kirk Yard. Crews constructed 110,000 track feet of rail, upgraded 12,000 track feet of rail, and installed 110 turnouts, 106 AR2 inert retarders and two E-160 retarders. They also built and installed two lap switches (#8 and #10) and performed 6,000 thermite and flash-butt field welds.
Adding classification, receiving and departure tracks fostered Kirk Yard’s ability to accommodate longer trains and also improved CN’s interchange with other railroads. The project expanded capacity at Kirk Yard from 1,500 to 2,500 cars a day.
Work was performed from April 2011 through December 2011 and March 2012 through December 2012.