CSX Ditches Backup Tracks as Baltimore Tunnel Reopens Smoothly
Published Date: 5/5/2025
Notice
Summary
CSX Transportation is wrapping up temporary train route rights they got from Norfolk Southern while fixing their Howard Street Tunnel in Baltimore. Once the tunnel work is done and trains can roll through again, these special rights will end—no extra costs or delays expected. This change helps keep trains moving smoothly during the project without any hiccups for customers.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Employee Protections for Affected Railroad Workers
The Board will impose the employee protective conditions set forth in Oregon Short Line Railroad to provide statutory protection to any employee adversely affected by the discontinuance of the trackage rights. Those protections apply upon the expiration of the trackage rights when the HST project is complete and CSX resumes service through the HST.
Temporary Trackage Rights Expire After Tunnel Work
The Surface Transportation Board permitted CSX's temporary trackage rights over Norfolk Southern to expire when CSX completes the Howard Street Tunnel (HST) project, the HST reopens, and CSX resumes moving rail traffic through the HST. The Board's decision is effective May 30, 2025, and CSX must notify the Board within five days after it resumes service through the HST. The Board stated this termination will not have an adverse effect on shippers.
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