Strong foundations: Geotech’s critical role at Norfolk Southern

By Brett Willi, Senior Communications Manager

Beneath every mile of Norfolk Southern’s track lies a foundation essential to safe rail operations. The NS Geotech team, which is part of Engineering’s Design & Construction (D&C) function, works in partnership with field teams and leaders across the company’s 22-state network to ensure the ground beneath the rails is as robust as NS’ commitment to safety and service.

Geotech’s responsibilities encompass embankment stabilization, disaster recover and project management. While much of their work occurs out of the spotlight, its impact is significant. The team addresses persistent infrastructure challenges, supports local operations, and helps maintain the safe, reliable movement of freight across the network.

Why it matters: A strong, stable roadbed is fundamental to safe rail operations. Without it, even the highest-quality track cannot perform as intended. Geotech’s efforts directly enhance safety, operational efficiency, and reliability. By providing lasting solutions to complex geotechnical issues, the team enables local personnel to focus on other critical priorities and reduces the need for repeated maintenance interventions.

GeoTech’s core functions:

• Embankment stabilization: Reinforces the ground beneath tracks and resolves chronic problem areas with durable geotechnical solutions, such as grout injection, retaining walls, slope armoring and drainage improvements, helping minimize future maintenance needs.
• Disaster mobilization: Responds quickly to events such as floods, landslides or rockfalls, restoring rail service and protecting infrastructure for the long term.
• Project management: Project management: Coordinates complex repairs, often tied to high-priority Norfolk Southern construction projects, with Engineering’s Maintenance of Way & Structures (MW&S) and Bridges and Structures teams, and other groups within D&C to ensure all work meets rigorous industry standards. 
• Technology and expertise: Utilizes advanced data tools, including LiDAR (laser-based sensing), autonomous train measurements, and the specialized knowledge of NS’ Supervisors of Track Inspections (STIs), to identify and address issues proactively.
• Collaboration: Partners cross-functionally with NS’ field teams, including track supervisors and inspectors, to monitor and consult on issues, as well as the Network Operations Center (NOC) to secure track time and maximize the effectiveness of maintenance activities during planned outages.

Impact spotlight: Asheville restoration

After Hurricane Helene, teams across NS worked together to restore service along the AS Line. As part of this effort, Geotech supported assessments on a 15-mile segment between Asheville and Old Fort, N.C., identifying 100 repair sites with embankment damage and other geotechnical issues. They developed repair plans for those specific locations that informed a broader, multiteam restoration effort.

In 2025, excluding Asheville, Geotech completed 79 projects worth $16 million. The Asheville work required a far larger, networkwide investment, highlighting the scale of the damage and the importance of the collective response.

What we’re saying

“The embankment is the foundation of our track structure. Even the best track will not hold up without a strong foundation. Our work is about ensuring our network and railroaders can operate safely and efficiently, regardless of the challenges we face.” — Will Graham, NS Manager Construction Services – Engineering (Geotech)

“The most rewarding aspect is the teamwork, solving complex problems together and seeing the results. Whether working with field teams or the NOC, it’s about getting the job done right and making a difference for the customers and communities we serve.” — Chase Hobbs, NS Construction Project Manager – Engineering (Geotech)

Top Photo: Chase Hobbs (left) and Will Graham (right) of NS’ Geotech team, whose expertise helps ensure the strength, stability, and resilience of our railroad’s infrastructure." or something like that. I couldn't find an example to mirror. 

Image Carousel: Before and after images of the Geotech team’s track stabilization and embankment recovery work that helped restore service in the Asheville area after Hurricane Helene.

Brett Willi leads internal communications for Norfolk Southern, focusing on safety, compliance, operational excellence and employee engagement. He also oversees communications for Engineering and Mechanical. Brett joined NS in 2025, with 20 years of strategic communications, digital content and analytics expertise.