Norfolk Southern, Wabtec set locomotive upgrades to AC power

Norfolk Southern and Wabtec Corp. have jointly announced an initiative to convert 33 of their ES44DC locomotives into AC-traction ES44ACMs, with the aim of enhancing reliability, increasing efficiency and extending the lifespan of these locomotives. Norfolk Southern's COO Brian Barr emphasized that this investment will help deliver safe, dependable service for customers.

The project, in collaboration with Wabtec, involves upgraded control systems and advanced digital technology. These upgraded locomotives are expected to provide higher productivity and lower lifecycle maintenance requirements. The new modernization program highlights the strength of the partnership between the two companies and their shared focus on delivering operational value.

The conversion of older DC-traction locomotives to AC traction is primarily driven by the superior low-speed pulling power, adhesion, reliability and lifecycle economics of AC propulsion. The work will be conducted at Wabtec's facilities in Fort Worth, Texas, and Erie, Pennsylvania. The first locomotives were dispatched to Norfolk Southern this month, and the program will continue until 2027.

Norfolk Southern became the first customer for the ES44DC in 2004 and has since collaborated with Wabtec on over 1,000 DC-to-AC locomotive conversions.