The CSXT Chicago line, which is double tracked, is the former Conrail Chicago line and the New York Central's water level route. The Chicago Line runs from Cleveland, extending eastward to Fairview, PA and then on to Buffalo, NY via the Lakeshore Subdivision. The Chicago Line is one of the busiest segments of their system, hosting over 40 trains daily, and featuring a variety of motive power and freight. Traffic includes every type of train CSXT runs from intermodals to unit steel coil trains. Norfolk Southern Railroad's single-track line generally runs south of the CSXT line, although in many locations is only a few feet away. Both lines are quite busy, with over 50 trains per day between the two lines. Trains can be well over a mile long, powered by six-axle, 4000-hp or even 6000-hp locomotives.

Container or truck trailer trains tend to dominate the landscape, although there's also a wide variety of autoracks, coal drags and mixed freights. Amtrak's Lake Shore and Capitol Ltd. also stop in Cleveland, but both are late night trains and rarely seen during daylight hours.

While the views along both lines are fairly flat, there are several large bridges and wide open farm fields which make for some excellent photo opportunities. The best viewing is along the CSXT lines, which is the ex-Conrail, ex-NYC mainline from Cleveland to Buffalo. Trains run fairly frequently, and can be seen at all times of the day and night. Norfolk Southern traffic is generally much lighter, and typically has a long wait time between trains if you want to follow the black & white pony.