CUMBERLAND YARD

Zephyr Rail provided engineering design and remote sensing services for the 95-acre, 3.5-mile Cumberland Yard in Cumberland, Maryland. The project reconfigured and modernized the former hump facility to increase capacity, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen CSX’s New England network operations.

Zephyr Rail designed 4,600 feet of new track and three switching leads equipped with automated hydraulic switches serving 30 classification tracks. The upgraded yard is now fully operational and delivering measurable performance improvements.

Results

• Increased switching capacity from approximately 350 cars per day to more than 850 cars per day
• Eliminated an estimated 29 million out-of-route miles annually
• Reduced approximately 59,000 annual car handlings
• Generated an estimated $15 million in annual direct operational cost savings

By combining engineering design with advanced remote sensing and operational analysis, Zephyr Rail delivered a data-driven yard reconfiguration that improved reliability, throughput, and long-term system resilience.

Industry Recognition
This project was recognized by Railway Track & Structures as one of the Top 10 Rail Projects in North America for 2025.