Norfolk Southern to Abandon 7-Mile Ohio Rail Line Next Month
Published Date: 6/25/2025
Notice
Summary
Norfolk Southern Railway and Cleveland & Cuyahoga Railway are stopping service and abandoning a 7-mile rail line in Cuyahoga, Geauga, and Portage Counties, Ohio, because no trains have run there for over two years. This change affects local communities in zip codes 44139, 44023, and 44202, with the shutdown set for July 25, 2025, unless someone steps in to save the line. Employees impacted by this will get protections, and there’s a chance for others to offer financial help or request trail use before deadlines.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Worker Protections for Affected Employees
Employees who are adversely affected by the abandonment or discontinuance will be protected under the Oregon Short Line precedent (360 I.C.C. 91 (1979)). A petition for partial revocation under 49 U.S.C. 10502(d) can be filed to challenge whether those protections are adequate.
7-mile Rail Line Abandonment in Ohio
Norfolk Southern and Cleveland & Cuyahoga plan to abandon and stop service on an approximately 7.0-mile rail line between milepost RH 15.0 and RH 22.0 that runs through zip codes 44139, 44023, and 44202. The exemptions are slated to take effect on July 25, 2025, unless someone files an offer of financial assistance or a successful stay is granted.
Chance to Buy or Bank Line (OFA/Trail Use)
Interested parties can submit a formal expression of intent to file an Offer of Financial Assistance (OFA) or request interim trail use/railbanking for the 7.0-mile Line. Formal expressions of intent and trail use/railbanking requests must be filed by July 7, 2025, and OFAs must indicate the type of financial assistance (subsidy or purchase) and preliminary financial responsibility.
Environmental and Historic Review Timeline
Norfolk Southern filed a combined environmental and historic report and the Board's Office of Environmental Analysis will issue a Draft Environmental Assessment (Draft EA) by June 30, 2025. Comments on environmental and historic preservation matters must be filed within 15 days after the Draft EA becomes available.
Deadlines to Seek a Stay or Reopen Decision
Petitions to stay (not involving environmental issues) must be filed by July 3, 2025. Petitions to reopen or requests for public use conditions must be filed by July 15, 2025. These deadlines apply to parties seeking to delay or change the abandonment decision.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20783, First Student, Inc.-Acquisition of Control-Autumn Transportation Inc. and Ambassador Wheelchair Services, Inc.
First Student, Inc. wants to take control of Autumn Transportation Inc. and Ambassador Wheelchair Services, Inc. by buying all their shares. The Surface Transportation Board is giving a thumbs-up to this deal, but people have until November 23, 2026, to share any concerns. If no one objects, the deal will go through on November 24, 2026, potentially changing how these transportation services operate.
2026-20455, 60-Day Notice of Intent To Seek Extension of Approval: Petitions for Declaratory Order and Petitions for Relief Not Otherwise Specified
The Surface Transportation Board wants to keep collecting info from folks like shippers, railroads, and communities who ask for official decisions to clear up disputes. They’re asking for your thoughts by December 7, 2026, to make sure the process stays smooth and useful. This won’t cost extra money but helps keep things clear and fair for everyone involved.
2026-20456, 60-Day Notice of Intent To Seek Extension of Approval: Classification Index Survey Form
The Surface Transportation Board wants to keep using its Classification Index Survey Form, which helps track railroad info. This affects railroad companies that don’t file the big annual report, and they’ll spend about 24 hours a year filling it out. Comments on this plan are open until December 7, 2026, with no changes or extra costs planned.
2026-20205, Macquarie Infrastructure Partners V GP, LLC, et al.-Control Exemption-Kankakee, Beaverville and Southern Railroad Company
Macquarie Infrastructure Partners V GP and its affiliates are taking control of the Kankakee, Beaverville and Southern Railroad, a freight railroad running about 160 miles in Illinois and Indiana. This change means Pinsly Holdco and Pinsly Railroad Company will now own and operate KBSR, which was previously controlled by the Stroo Family. The deal, agreed on September 16, 2026, expands Macquarie’s rail network without any immediate cost changes announced.
2026-20206, Union Pacific Railroad Company-Discontinuance of Service Exemption-in San Bernardino County, Cal.
Union Pacific Railroad is stopping freight service on a 2.76-mile stretch of track in Rialto, San Bernardino County, because no trains have run there for over two years. This change affects local businesses and residents in zip code 92376 but won’t disrupt other rail traffic. The service stop will take effect November 1, 2026, unless someone steps in to keep it running or files a complaint by early October.
2026-19711, CSX Transportation, Inc.-Abandonment Exemption-in Hamilton County, Ohio
CSX Transportation is planning to stop using about 2 miles of railroad track in Hamilton County, Ohio, because no trains have run there for over two years. This change affects local businesses and workers, but any employees impacted will get special protections. If no one steps up to save the line by October 8, 2026, the closure will go ahead on October 28, 2026.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-11596, Center For Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings
The Center for Scientific Review is holding several closed virtual meetings on July 21, 2025, to review important grant applications related to substance abuse, brain aging, and biomedical research. These meetings keep sensitive info private to protect personal and commercial secrets. Researchers and institutions applying for grants should note these dates as they impact funding decisions.
Next: 2025-11598, Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request on Commercial Revitalization Deduction (Revenue Procedure 2003-38).
The IRS wants your thoughts on a form tied to the Commercial Revitalization Deduction, which helps businesses save money when fixing up commercial properties. If you own or manage a business that renovates buildings, this could affect you. They’re checking if the paperwork is clear and easy, so get ready to share your feedback before the deadline!