Alabama Southern Railroad will invest $9.8 million in a new rail yard to be located in the Tuscaloosa County Airport Industrial Park.

The project is expected to create eight jobs, and be fully operational by the third quarter of 2024. Construction is scheduled to begin this summer at a site off U.S. 82 West.

According to the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority, the new rail yard will support operations currently conducted at the company’s facility near downtown Tuscaloosa.

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox said the new rail yard means a reduction in train traffic for West Tuscaloosa.

“This project has required a great deal of planning and coordination, but the end result is well worth it for Tuscaloosa,” Maddox said.

Steven Rumsey, vice chairman for Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority said the project will also help “create additional jobs and other quality of life initiatives for our citizens.”