CSX Corporation says it will spend $300 million on upgrades that would allow trains with double-stacked cars to run from the East Coast to the Midwest.
For the effort to go forward, the federal government would have to provide an additional $400 million to change 70 overpasses in six states that would be too short for the double-stacked cars to pass under.
In Dublin Thursday, Ohio's Governor showed his support for the plan.
WOSU's Lauren Schmoll was there.
With oil prices soaring up to 120-dollars a barrel and diesel fuel above four dollars a gallon Governor Strickland says CSX's decision could have far-reaching effects.
This is not a little decision," Strickland says. "This is a very big decision. And it's one with wonderful implications. And it's one that's all the more meaningful to us given that we're facing these difficult days and energy costs.
Strickland says CSX's plan will open up growth for the state by considerably increasing the power of the Ohio's railways to ship cargo.
CSX Spokesperson Robert Sullivan says stacked cars will allow the state's businesses better access to cheaper shipping.
You basically double the efficiency," Sullivan says. "Double the shipping power. And you drastically increase the number of trucks you can take off the road. We estimate that one train can carry the equivalent of about 2080 to 300 trucks and do it at tremendous fuel savings too.
Sullivan says Ohio's railways can transport one ton of cargo 423 miles on one gallon of fuel.
The plan includes two new Ohio freight terminals to support the new stacked cars one in South Columbus, and one in North Baltimore.
The problem? The rail industry will need to put 140 billion dollars into its infrastructure to meet the new demands of double-stacked trains.