Smoky Ridge Railroad Takes Over Tennessee Tracks in Quiet Deal
Published Date: 1/8/2026
Notice
Summary
Smoky Ridge Railroad, L.L.C. is set to take over and run about 7 miles of railroad track in Tennessee from EnergySolutions, LLC, starting as soon as January 22, 2026. This means Smoky Ridge will handle all freight services on this line, while EnergySolutions steps away. The change won’t cost Smoky Ridge more than $5 million in revenue and keeps them a smaller, local railroad company.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Local Railroad Takes Over Oak Ridge Line
If you ship freight on the rail line between Blair and Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Smoky Ridge Railroad (SMO) will acquire and operate approximately 7.07 miles of track (plus about 6.63 miles of connecting spur) and will provide all common carrier freight service as soon as January 22, 2026. EnergySolutions will convey its easement interest and will have no further rights on the Line.
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
2026-17004, Notice of Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee Vacancies
The Surface Transportation Board is looking to fill two open spots on its Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee—one for biofuel experts and one for coal producers. If you or someone you know fits the bill, nominations are due by September 17, 2026. This is a great chance to help shape how energy moves by rail, with no cost to apply and a voice in important transportation decisions.
2026-16620, Regulatory Agenda
The Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board (STB or Board) is publishing the Regulatory Flexibility Agenda.
2026-16276, Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern Railroad, Inc.-Acquisition and Operation Exemption-State of South Dakota
2026-16109, Release of Waybill Data
2026-16128, Town of Gloster, Miss.-Acquisition Exemption-Line of Gloster Southern Railroad Company, LLC
2026-14758, Colby Nitterhouse-Continuance in Control Exemption-NPJ Rail, LLC; PNGT Rail, LLC; and WCN Rail, LLC
Colby Nitterhouse, who doesn’t currently control any railroads, is set to take charge of three small rail companies: NPJ Rail, PNGT Rail, and WCN Rail. This move lets Nitterhouse keep control as these companies become official Class III rail carriers. The paperwork was updated recently, and no big money changes or delays are expected.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-00123, Notice of Public Meetings of the Ohio Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights
The Ohio Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is holding three virtual meetings to review and vote on their draft report about antisemitism. Anyone interested can join these Zoom meetings in February, March, and April 2026 to listen or share their thoughts. These meetings don’t cost anything but might use your phone minutes if you call in.
Next: 2026-00125, Watco Holdings, Inc.-Continuance in Control Exemption-Smoky Ridge Railroad, L.L.C.
Watco Holdings is keeping control of Smoky Ridge Railroad as it becomes a new Class III rail carrier in Tennessee. This move lets Smoky Ridge operate about 13.7 miles of track without needing extra government approval. The change kicks in on January 22, 2026, and includes protections for railroad workers, with no big money changes announced.