RailWorks Corporation announced it has been awarded more than $17 million in new business from CSX Transportation (CSXT) to construct and extend nine sidings in three states on the railroad's strategic Chicago-Florida rail corridor.

RailWorks is responsible for preparing the site for the new track roadbed, rehabilitating and constructing the track, and assembling and installing turnouts, all while train operations continue on the adjoining main line. All work, totaling approximately 69,000 feet of new track and 17 turnouts, will be completed during 2006.

In December, RailWorks began constructing a new two-mile siding in Bartlett, Ga., and rehabilitating and extending a two-mile siding in Lilly, Ga. Work is under way on two siding extensions in Tennessee and five new sidings in Kentucky.

These projects are part of CSXT's capacity expansion initiative to facilitate the movement of more freight with improved service and reliability. The railroad announced it will invest $1.3-1.4 billion annually in each of the next two years, with much of that going to infrastructure improvements over its 21,000-mile network. CSXT has targeted two key corridors -- between Chicago and Florida and Albany, N.Y., and northern New Jersey -- where population and freight volume growth have justified capacity expansion.

"Capacity expansion is a top priority for all the Class I railroads and many short lines. RailWorks is pleased to be playing a pivotal role in the CSXT initiative and other similar capacity expansion efforts throughout North America," says RailWorks President and CEO Jeffrey M. Levy. "With our track construction expertise, large equipment fleet and ability to rapidly mobilize crews, RailWorks serves as a valuable partner for railroads with busy networks and tight work windows."

RailWorks Regional Manager Brian Bennett, who is managing the CSXT projects, says the work is a good fit for RailWorks' broad track construction capabilities. "RailWorks has the depth of project experience and resources to manage complex projects simultaneously. We understand the significance of the projects for CSXT and the need to keep trains moving as our work progresses."