Ballast is a critical component in maintaining track structure by supporting drainage and holding rails and ties in place. Railroads try to manage or replace ballast that's been fouled due to a build up of mud and debris, which can impact drainage. To that end, there's a lot of those crushed rocks to be placed along track this year, according to ballast figures cited in the 2019 Maintenance of Way Spending Report published in Progressive Railroading's April issue. BNSF Railway Co. expects to install 4.4 million tons; Norfolk Southern Railway, 2.1 million tons; CSX, 2 million tons; Alaska Railroad Corp., 37,500 tons; Red River Valley & Western Railroad Co., 29,000 tons; and Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad Co., 20,000 tons. To distribute ballast, many railroads use specially equipped cars. Earlier this year, Watco Cos. LLC's Arkansas Southern, Mississippi Southern and Vicksburg Southern railroads jointly purchased 10 ballast cars. The benefit: Each short line can source ballast locally, saving about $23 per ton, according to Watco's May newsletter.
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