November 6, 2024
Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks Start of R. J. Corman’s Bluegrass Multimodal Freight Improvement Project
In the picture: Federal, state, and local partners, along with R. J. Corman officials, celebrated the groundbreaking of the Bluegrass Multimodal Freight Improvement Project at the site of the future R. J. Corman railyard in Frankfort, Ky.
On Wednesday, November 6th, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Bluegrass Multimodal Freight Improvement Project, hosted by R. J. Corman Railroad Group, LLC. The event took place at the site of the company’s new yard in Frankfort, KY. This significant event marked the beginning of a transformative project aimed at enhancing the efficiency and capacity of freight transportation in the region.
The Bluegrass Multimodal Freight Improvement Project is a $12.3 million initiative designed to modernize the railroad infrastructure of the R. J. Corman Central Kentucky Lines. This project is supported by a landmark $7.4 million federal grant from the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program, making it the first CRISI grant awarded in Kentucky. R. J. Corman is providing matching funds of 40% of the total project cost, demonstrating their commitment to the project
The project encompasses several key components, including the construction of a rail-to-truck transload facility, the rehabilitation of track on the mainline between Frankfort and Lexington, and improvements to the main yard and transload facility in Lexington. These enhancements are expected to significantly improve rail safety and efficiency while delivering substantial environmental and traffic-mitigation benefits
Speakers at the event included April Colyer, Board of Trustees, R. J. Corman Railroad Group; Ed Quinn, President & CEO, R. J. Corman Railroad Group; and Rocky Adkins, Governor Beshear’s Senior Advisor. They highlighted the importance of the project and its expected impact on the region's transportation infrastructure
Over the next 20-30 years, the new transload facility in Frankfort and the increased utilization of the railroad are expected to divert over 130,000 truckloads from interstate and local roads to rail. This change will significantly reduce congestion and improve road safety. The project is also expected to support jobs and commerce in the Commonwealth for years to come
Ed Quinn, President & CEO of R. J. Corman Railroad Group, expressed gratitude for the support from federal, state, and local partners, including Leader McConnell, U.S Representatives Barr and McGarvey, Governor Andy Beshear, Secretary Gray, KY State Representatives Blanton, Upchurch, Fister, and Graham, the local governments of Lexington and Frankfort, Judge Mueller and Mayor Gorton, and many others such as Class I railroad partner CSX, business leaders and advocacy groups.
The Bluegrass Multimodal Freight Improvement Project is a testament to R. J. Corman's commitment to enhancing the transportation infrastructure in Central Kentucky. With the support of the CRISI grant and the dedication of R. J. Corman, this project is set to bring significant improvements to the region's rail network, benefiting both the local economy and the broader transportation infrastructure
