Norfolk Southern Corp. announced Wednesday afternoon that it plans to reduce train operations at its Knoxville rail yard starting May 1.
The move includes shutting down switching operations at the rail yard, which will decrease train traffic and reduce the need for some personnel and infrastructure in Knoxville.
However, Knoxville will continue to be the company's Central Division headquarters and the Knoxville terminal will serve as a hub for "through-train operations."
Around 135 positions will be impacted by the reduction, according to a press release from the company.
“When you’re not going to be bringing in cars that need repairs and things like that, you just don’t need as many people,” Susan Terpay with Norfolk Southern told 10News.
Norfolk Southern said it plans to assist impacted employees by offering them opportunities to fill job vacancies as they become available.
