Forgotten Rail Track Finally Abandoned in Norfolk After 40 Years
Published Date: 3/27/2026
Notice
Summary
Canonie Atlantic Co. and Buckingham Branch Railroad want to stop using about 2.3 miles of rail track in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Virginia. Canonie Atlantic has owned the track since 1985 but never ran trains on it, while Buckingham Branch has operated it since 2018. This change means the rail line will be abandoned and service discontinued soon, affecting local rail operations and possibly shifting some freight to trucks.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Two Local Shippers May Lose Rail Service
The 2.3-mile rail Line between milepost 95.0 (Little Creek) and milepost 97.6 (Camden Heights) serves two local shippers: USRL Virginia Beach VA, LLC and Greenbridge. Petitioners seek abandonment/discontinuance, so these shippers may lose rail service if the Board grants the petition (final decision by June 26, 2026). Replies to the petition are due on or before April 16, 2026.
Buckingham Branch Operations May Be Disrupted
Buckingham Branch Railroad uses the Little Creek Yard for rail-to-truck transloading, locomotive staging and servicing, and local administrative offices. Petitioners say the U.S. Navy seeks to acquire Parcel 4B and that without Parcel 4B operation of the remainder of the Line would be "operationally and economically impracticable," prompting termination of the lease and discontinuance filings.
Freight Could Shift from Rail to Trucks
The abandonment and discontinuance of about 2.3 miles of track in Virginia Beach and Norfolk could shift some freight away from rail to truck transport. That change could increase truck traffic and change shipping logistics in ZIP Codes 23455 and 23502 while the Board considers the petition (filing was March 9, 2026).
Railroad Employees Have Protection Conditions
The notice says the interests of railroad employees will be protected by the conditions set forth in the Oregon Short Line case (360 I.C.C. 91 (1979)). These protections apply as the Board proceeds with the abandonment/discontinuance exemption.
Community Can Request Trail or Public Use
The Line may be suitable for public use or interim trail use (railbanking). Any request for a public use condition or for interim trail use/railbanking must be filed by April 16, 2026.
Deadlines for Financial Assistance Offers
Anyone wanting to submit an offer of financial assistance (OFA) must file a formal expression of intent by April 6, 2026, showing the type of assistance and preliminary financial responsibility. An OFA will be due no later than 120 days after the petition filing or 10 days after service of a decision granting the exemption, whichever comes sooner.
Environmental Review and Comment Schedule
The Board's Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) will prepare an environmental assessment (EA) or environmental impact statement; EAs are normally made available within 60 days of the petition filing, and the deadline for comments on the EA generally will be within 30 days of its service.
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