Norfolk Southern Hands Back CSX Tracks Post-Tunnel Triumph
Published Date: 5/5/2025
Notice
Summary
Norfolk Southern Railway (NSR) got special permission to use CSX Transportation’s tracks for about 95 miles to reroute trains while a tunnel in Baltimore is being fixed. Now, NSR and CSX have agreed to end this temporary track-sharing deal once the project is done, and the Surface Transportation Board is approving that plan. This means NSR won’t need extra approvals later, keeping things smooth and simple for everyone involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Employee Protections When Trackage Ends
If you are a rail employee who could be harmed when Norfolk Southern's temporary use of CSX tracks ends, the Surface Transportation Board will require employee protective conditions as set forth in Oregon Short Line (360 I.C.C. 91 (1979)). Those protections apply when the Howard Street Tunnel project is finished, the tunnel reopens, and NSR resumes service through the tunnel; NSR must notify the Board within five days of resumption.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-12291 — BLPIRR LLC-Lease and Operation-Washington State Department of Transportation
BLPIRR LLC is set to lease and operate about 3.5 miles of rail lines in Whitman County, Washington, from the State Department of Transportation starting July 4, 2026. This move won’t limit other rail companies from connecting, and BLPI expects to make under $5 million a year, keeping it a small rail operator. It’s a smooth switch that keeps local rail service rolling without big changes or costs.
2026-12249 — Terramont Infrastructure Partners LLC-Control Exemption-Hainesport Transportation Group, LLC, Hainesport Industrial Railroad, LLC, and Hainesport Secondary Railroad, LLC
Terramont Infrastructure Partners LLC is set to take control of Hainesport Transportation Group, which owns two small railroads in New Jersey. This change won’t affect any big rail connections or require extra approvals, making the process smooth and quick. The deal can officially happen starting July 4, 2026, with no major costs or disruptions expected.
2026-12290 — Washington, Idaho & Montana Railway LLC-Lease and Operation-BLPIRR LLC
Washington, Idaho & Montana Railway LLC is set to lease and operate about 3.3 miles of rail line in Whitman County, Washington, from BLPIRR LLC starting July 4, 2026. This move won’t limit connections with other railroads and won’t create a bigger railroad company. The deal is expected to bring in less than $5 million a year, keeping things local and smooth.
2026-12120 — 3i RR Holdings GP LLC, et al. and Regional Rail, LLC-Control Exemption-Massachusetts Central Railroad Corporation
3i RR Holdings and Regional Rail are teaming up to take control of Massachusetts Central Railroad, a small rail line in Massachusetts. This change will happen around July 1, 2026, and won’t affect any big rail companies or connect to their other lines. It’s a smooth move that keeps things running without extra approval, and employees’ rights stay protected.
2026-11833 — Delaware and South Branch Railroad, LLC-Lease and Change of Operator Exemption-Black River & Western Corp. d/b/a Black River & Western Railroad, and Belvidere & Delaware River Railway Company, Inc.
Delaware and South Branch Railroad, LLC (DSBR) is taking over the lease and operation of about 32 miles of rail lines from Black River & Western Railroad and Belvidere & Delaware River Railway. This means DSBR will replace BDR as the operator on a key segment, starting on or after June 28, 2026. The change won’t cost more than $5 million in revenue and won’t limit future rail connections.
2026-11901 — 60-Day Notice of Intent To Seek Extension of Approval of Collection: Recordations (Rail and Water Carrier Liens), Water Carrier Tariffs, and Agricultural Contract Summaries
The Surface Transportation Board wants to keep collecting info about rail and water carrier liens, water carrier tariffs, and agricultural contract summaries—just like they’ve been doing, with no changes. This affects big railroads and water carriers who file these records, and they’re asking for your thoughts by August 11, 2026. No new fees or extra paperwork, just a smooth extension to keep things running.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-07750 — CSX Transportation, Inc.-Trackage Rights Exemption-Norfolk Southern Railway Company
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.
Next: 2025-07752 — Recommendations To Reduce the Risk of Transmission of Disease Agents Associated With Sepsis by Human Cells, Tissues, and Cellular and Tissue-Based Products; Recommendations To Reduce the Risk of Transmission of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis by Human Cells, Tissues, and Cellular and Tissue-Based Products; Draft Guidances for Industry; Availability
The FDA is updating its safety advice for people and companies that handle human cells and tissues used in medical treatments. They’re pulling back old rules about stopping infections like sepsis and tuberculosis and sharing new draft versions to get feedback. This means safer products and a chance for industry to weigh in before final rules are set.