A new rail camera has been installed in Glendale, Ohio, at the beginning of the year. This charming town is attracting global interest. A first-time viewer might wonder, “Why are both Norfolk Southern and CSX operating on the same tracks, and why is nearly all the traffic heading north? What happens to the southbound trains heading into Cincinnati?”
The camera is positioned on the CSX Cincinnati Subdivision, the primary route from Cincinnati to northern destinations for both freight carriers. Norfolk Southern has track rights on this line from Cincinnati to New River Junction.
Where does all the southbound traffic head? Southbound traffic travels along a route just east of the Cincinnati Subdivision on the Norfolk Southern New Castle District. On this route, CSX operates as a guest on the Norfolk Southern tracks.
Traffic heading south splits at Butler Street in Hamilton, Ohio. This spot is ideal for observing trains traveling in both northbound and southbound directions. Hamilton is situated north of Glendale. The north and southbound routes merge again south of Glendale at Winton Place, which is located just north of the Norfolk Southern and CSX yards in the Queengates area of Cincinnati. Both Butler Street in Hamilton and Winton Place in Cincinnati are favored spots for train enthusiasts, as they provide views of rail traffic in both directions.
Is there any southbound activity at Glendale? Yes, there is traffic from the CSX Indianapolis Subdivision. This line links up with the Cincinnati Subdivision just south of Butler Street, so any eastbound trains from the Indianapolis area will head south into Glendale. Amtrak’s Cardinal service runs on the CSX Indianapolis Subdivision, enabling both northbound and southbound Amtrak trains to pass through Glendale. Observers might notice some local trains traveling south on this route. Occasionally, southbound traffic may be rerouted onto the Cincinnati Subdivision due to congestion on the Norfolk Southern New Castle District.