Ghost Train Tracks: Norfolk Southern Ditches Unused Virginia Rail Line
Published Date: 7/28/2025
Notice
Summary
Norfolk Southern Railway is stopping train service on an 11-mile track between Front Royal and Strasburg, Virginia, because no one’s used it for over two years. Local businesses and travelers in those areas might need to find other routes, but freight can still move on nearby lines. If no one steps up to pay for keeping the trains running by August 7, the shutdown starts August 27, 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
11‑Mile Rail Service Stops in VA
Norfolk Southern will discontinue service on an approximately 11.0‑mile rail line between Front Royal and Strasburg, Virginia (zip codes 22657 and 22630). If no one files a formal expression of intent to subsidize service by August 7, 2025, the shutdown becomes effective August 27, 2025, which may force local businesses and travelers in those areas to use other routes.
Employee Protection Condition Applied
Employees adversely affected by the discontinuance are protected under the Oregon Short Line employee‑protection condition (360 I.C.C. 91 (1979)). A petition for partial revocation under 49 U.S.C. 10502(d) may be filed to address whether this protection is adequate. Petitions to stay (not involving environmental issues) and formal expressions of intent to file an OFA must be filed by August 7, 2025; petitions for reconsideration by August 18, 2025.
Option to File Financial Assistance Offer
Interested parties may submit an offer of financial assistance (OFA) to subsidize continued rail service; a formal expression of intent to file an OFA and demonstration of preliminary financial responsibility must be filed by August 7, 2025. If a qualifying OFA is submitted, it could prevent the August 27, 2025 discontinuance.
Freight Can Be Rerouted Elsewhere
The railroad certified that any overhead freight traffic that used the 11.0‑mile Front Royal–Strasburg line can be rerouted over other lines, so freight movements may continue via alternate routes.
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