With dynamic brakes howling, a Norfolk Southern grain train swings through the recently cut-in curve realignment on the NCDOT Rail Division "Haw River Siding Project". This project, part of the "Piedmont Improvement Program", constructs a new ~9600' siding and realigns this curve to permit passenger operating speeds to increase from 55 mph to 70 mph. At this location, the new siding track can be seen under construction on either side of the former mainline location. Undercutting of the old roadbed is underway so that new sub-ballast can be placed. Then, the two portions of siding track will be connected and ballasted.
