CSX joined with Allegheny County officials, local and state partners and members of the Stowe Township and McKees Rocks communities on Dec. 4, 2015 to celebrate the construction of the Pittsburgh Intermodal Rail Terminal. The $60-plus million facility, which is expected to commence operations in 2017, will provide premier shipping logistics services to manufacturers and distributors in western Pennsylvania by supporting the reliable and efficient shift of long-haul freight from highway to rail, while strengthening the Commonwealth's transportation infrastructure and driving the region's economy, the railroad says.
“Together, we are making an investment here in Stowe Township and McKees Rocks that will transform an industrial space into a modern, state-of-the art facility,” said Clarence Gooden, President, of CSX. “None of this would be possible without the vision, dedication and commitment of our many partners in this project, including Allegheny County, Stowe Township and the McKees Rocks Borough, Allegheny Conference on Community Development and the McKees Rocks Community Development Corporation.”
Construction on the terminal began in September, with initial activity focused on demolishing existing buildings and clearing the site to prepare for major construction. The project is redeveloping the former Pittsburgh & Lake Erie (P&LE) Railroad Yard, which operated for more than 100 years on the 70-acre site. Representatives from CSX, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Allegheny County and local municipalities were on hand at the groundbreaking celebration to discuss the positive impact of the facility.
“We are excited to have CSX make this investment in the community. We know the importance of rail in our region, and the start of this work emphasizes exactly that,” said Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “This terminal will not only help connect western Pennsylvania’s businesses to the global marketplace, but it will also help stimulate McKees Rocks’ and Stowe’s economies. We are proud to have worked with all of the stakeholders to make this project a reality.”
“This facility is great news for Stowe Township, which continues to be recognized as a great place to locate and grow businesses,” added Stowe Township Commission President Robin Parrilla.
“We are pleased to welcome CSX back to the P&LE Railroad Yard,” said McKees Rocks Mayor Jack Muhr during the groundbreaking ceremony. “McKees Rocks has a long history with the railroad, and we are excited to begin the next chapter.”
U.S. Senator Bob Casey added, ““I am pleased that CSX has chosen to invest their resources in Southwestern Pennsylvania for the construction of the Intermodal Rail Terminal. This terminal will have a lasting impact on the region’s economy and will help modernize the rail system, creating jobs while opening western Pennsylvania’s businesses to the global marketplace.”
Current U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster, a longtime champion of intermodal transportation in Pennsylvania, had this to add: “Growing our region’s transportation network is going to benefit both our businesses and the community as a whole. I am glad that CSX is choosing to make this investment as the new facility will enable increased trucking and shipping in Southwestern Pennsylvania.”
Since the site of the facility was announced in October 2013, the project has received broad-based support from local, county, state and federal level officials; economic development associations; community organizations and other stakeholders.