March 19, 2025

R. J. Corman Railroad Services Constructs Award Winning New Track in Wells, Maine for CSX

The new track construction of the nearly 6-mile siding between Wells, Maine, and North Berwick, Maine, performed by R. J. Corman Railroad Services, is a testament to R. J. Corman's commitment to innovation and high-quality work. This project required extensive planning, adaptability, and meticulous production tracking throughout its duration. 

One of the key innovations in this project was the company’s approach to material stockpiling and distribution. Given the confined work areas and limited access to only three crossings, R. J. Corman had to devise a unique strategy for handling over 22,000 tons of ballast. Utilizing hi-rail rotary dump trucks, they efficiently stockpiled and distributed the ballast, ensuring that the construction site remained organized and productive. 

R. J. Corman Railroad Services’ experience was evident in the way they coordinated with Amtrak and CSX to navigate their train schedules. Identifying work windows and achieving production goals required precise timing and daily communication between R. J. Corman’s project management team and CSX supervision and leadership. This collaboration ensured the company had the necessary signal support and flagging to maintain worker safety throughout the project as they installed over 18,000 ties and 32,000 track feet of rail. 

The result is a robust infrastructure that will significantly improve the reliability and schedule flexibility of both the Amtrak Downeaster and freight trains. The build will support the addition of a sixth daily Downeaster round-trip between Wells and Brunswick, Maine, further enhancing the region's transportation network.

R. J. Corman’s ability to adapt and innovate in the face of these unique challenges showcases their deep expertise in railroad construction. The National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) awarded the Siding Extension Double-Track Project for CSX in Wells, Maine, with the Small Project of the Year Award. This recognition further underscores the significance and success of the project and the best-in-industry work of R. J. Corman Railroad Services.