CSX has announced that a privately-funded $15 million, 34-acre intermodal terminal will be constructed in Louisville, Kentucky. The terminal, which is slated to begin operations in early 2012, will provide efficient, economical and environmentally-friendly rail intermodal service to customers and consumers in the greater Louisville area.

The new terminal will be built and operated by CSX Intermodal Terminals and will employ about a dozen people. When it opens, the new terminal will provide inbound and outbound daily train service connecting through the company's Northwest Ohio Intermodal Terminal to markets across CSX Transportation's (CSXT) broader 21,000-route mile network.

From there, shipments will connect to service destined throughout the country. The initial train service will be designed to capture the immediate market demands of the Louisville area and provide capacity for growth as business demands.

The new facility is between CSXT's Osborne Yard and the Louisville Industrial Center near Louisville International Airport. Trucks serving the terminal are expected to use I-65, the Outer Loop and National Turnpike.

The terminal development project includes the installation of new track, pavement, drainage, gates for inbound and outbound containers, and the refurbishing of two buildings for use as office facilities.

"CSX consistently looks to provide quality rail service for the regions it serves," said Wilby Whitt, president of CSX Intermodal Terminals. "We have a long and proud history of helping Kentucky's economy thrive, and we believe this new facility will help increase the benefits available to businesses and residents in the greater Louisville region."

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said the announced investment by CSX is welcome news for the local economy.

"CSX's private investment in a new intermodal terminal in Louisville is good news on many fronts," Fischer said. "It is a statement of confidence in the region's economy by a private sector company, it will create jobs, and it will further strengthen the region's transportation infrastructure, providing businesses access to more efficient, cost-effective transportation."