Outside our office in Avon, where we write and edit stories for the Hendricks Star, you can't miss the roar of diesel engines constantly passing through the nearby CSX railroad yards.

That roar soon could get a lot louder.

CSX is now offering a direct-to-Indiana service for intermodal rail shipments from the West Coast. According to a story Monday by Jeff Swiatek in the main edition of The Star, about a half-dozen intermodal containers -- large metal cargo boxes that can go from ship to train to truck -- are arriving at the rail yards every weeknight.

The benefits to Indiana are clear: More distributors and manufacturers, who bring jobs, would be likely to build or expand in Indiana because of the availability of efficient rail service from the West Coast.

"It means Indiana businesses are better able to compete in the global marketplace," Keith Bucklew, director of freight mobility for the Indiana Department of Transportation, said in Swiatek's story.

Growth of intermodal traffic also could lead eventually to expansion of the CSX yards, which, again, could bring more jobs.

Another benefit to Indiana is reducing traffic on I-65. Currently, most intermodal trains from the West Coast stop at Chicago, meaning trucks line up in a seemingly endless procession along the highway to carry goods to Indianapolis and other points south.

However, more train traffic on the CSX rail yard could have an impact on Hendricks County and Indianapolis Westside residents who live and work near the tracks. Currently, the train carrying intermodal shipments arrives at 2 a.m., which means few area residents notice it. Whether a growth in intermodal shipments would result in more backups on roads crossing the railroad is unclear.

We'd like to hear from you. What do you see as the benefits of expanded intermodal service at the CSX yards in Avon? Do you see the prospect for more businesses and jobs coming to the area? Would the long-term benefits to Central Indiana outweigh any inconveniences it might bring to local residents?

Please take a few moments to send a note to westbureau@indystar.com. Put "intermodal" in the subject line.

You can also post a comment on our community forums at IndyStar.com.