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.
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
2026-20206, 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.
2026-20205, 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.
2026-19711, 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.
2026-19627, 5E SVM Railway Company, LLC-Acquisition and Operation Exemption-Assets of Trona Railway Company LLC
5E SVM Railway Company, LLC is taking over and running a 30.6-mile rail line in California from Trona Railway Company LLC. This change means SVMR will start offering rail service right away, with expected yearly earnings under $5 million. No big railroad status changes or limits on connections with other railroads will happen.
2026-19105, The Great Walton Railroad Company, Inc.-Continuance in Control Exemption-The Athens Line, LLC
The Great Walton Railroad Company (GWRC) is fixing a paperwork slip-up by officially getting permission to keep controlling The Athens Line, LLC, a small railroad it owns. This move won’t change how the railroads connect or affect big rail companies, and it kicks in on October 4, 2026. No extra costs or employee protections are involved since it’s all small railroads.
2026-19099, Ventura County Railroad Company-Operation Exemption-Ventura County Railway Company, LLC
Ventura County Railroad Company is extending its agreement to operate about 12 miles of rail lines around Port Hueneme and Oxnard for another five years, with an option to add five more. This means VCRR will keep running trains on these tracks without big changes to costs or services, starting October 4, 2026. The deal keeps VCRR as a small rail carrier, making sure local freight keeps moving smoothly.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-14135, Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Crab Rationalization Cost Recovery Program
Crab fishers in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands will pay a 1.2% fee to help cover program costs for the 2025/2026 season. This fee helps keep the crab fishing program running smoothly. Fishers need to pay their fees by July 31, 2026, so they should get ready to send in their payments on time.
Next: 2025-14137, Request for Nominations to the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization Consultative Committee
The government is looking for people to join a special committee that helps protect U.S. fishing interests in the Northwest Atlantic. If you care about fishing rules and want to have a say, you can nominate yourself! This is a great chance to influence important decisions without any cost or complicated steps.