Norfolk Southern eyes abandoning 1.16-mile Ohio rail segment
Published Date: 12/23/2025
Notice
Summary
Norfolk Southern Railway is planning to stop using and officially abandon a short 1.16-mile rail line in Summit 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. The move will take effect on January 22, 2026, unless someone steps up with a financial offer or files a challenge by early January.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Short rail line will be abandoned
If you own a business or work near Zip Code 44236 in Summit County, Ohio, Norfolk Southern plans to abandon a 1.16-mile rail line (milepost AI 0.29 to AI 1.45). The abandonment will take effect on January 22, 2026, unless someone files a timely offer of financial assistance or a successful challenge.
Rail employees get job protections
If you are an employee adversely affected by this abandonment, you will be protected under the Oregon Short Line Railroad decision (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.
Opportunity to buy or subsidize the line
If you want to keep the rail line, you must file a formal expression of intent to submit an Offer of Financial Assistance (OFA) by January 2, 2026. The expression must state whether you plan to buy the line or provide a subsidy and show preliminary financial responsibility.
Abandonment authority expires if not consummated
Norfolk Southern must file a notice of consummation to show it has fully abandoned the line. If it does not file that notice by December 23, 2026, and there are no legal barriers, the authority to abandon the line will automatically expire.
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
2026-20456, 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.
2026-20455, 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.
2026-20206, 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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23648, Norfolk Southern Railway Company-Abandonment Exemption-in the City of Baltimore, Md.
Norfolk Southern Railway is officially ending its freight service on a one-mile rail line in Baltimore, affecting local freight users but not passenger trains run by MTA. Since no freight has used this line for over two years and traffic can be rerouted, this change won’t disrupt deliveries. The move clears the way for Norfolk Southern to stop maintaining this track, with no plans for turning it into a trail or other public use.
Next: 2025-23650, Agency Information Collection Activities; Recreation Survey Questions
The Bureau of Reclamation wants to update and renew its recreation survey questions to better understand how people use public lands and waters. If you enjoy outdoor fun spots, your feedback might be asked soon! Comments on these changes are open until February 23, 2026, and the goal is to keep surveys easy and useful without wasting your time or money.