Norfolk-based Norfolk Southern Corp. (NS) is moving its Roanoke distribution center and locomotive shop operations to Pennsylvania, the company announced Tuesday, affecting a total of 104 employees in the Roanoke Valley area. The Fortune 500 rail transportation company will move those jobs and its associated work to Altoona, Pennsylvania, with 19 clerical positions eliminated.

Roanoke’s 85 mechanical employees will have the option to transfer to the Juniata Locomotive Shop in Pennsylvania and will be eligible for relocation benefits. It is expected that affected employees will continue working at the distribution center through April 18 and at the locomotive shop through May 18.

NS has seen a 22% reduction in its locomotive fleet since the end of 2018, which in turn reduced the volume of maintenance and repair required to operate safely. The company experienced a 48% decline in coal tons shipped since 2008, and the company says additional declines are to be expected.

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