Forgotten Rail Track Finally Abandoned in Norfolk After 40 Years
Published Date: 3/27/2026
Notice
Summary
Canonie Atlantic Co. and Buckingham Branch Railroad want to stop using about 2.3 miles of rail track in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Virginia. Canonie Atlantic has owned the track since 1985 but never ran trains on it, while Buckingham Branch has operated it since 2018. This change means the rail line will be abandoned and service discontinued soon, affecting local rail operations and possibly shifting some freight to trucks.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Two Local Shippers May Lose Rail Service
The 2.3-mile rail Line between milepost 95.0 (Little Creek) and milepost 97.6 (Camden Heights) serves two local shippers: USRL Virginia Beach VA, LLC and Greenbridge. Petitioners seek abandonment/discontinuance, so these shippers may lose rail service if the Board grants the petition (final decision by June 26, 2026). Replies to the petition are due on or before April 16, 2026.
Buckingham Branch Operations May Be Disrupted
Buckingham Branch Railroad uses the Little Creek Yard for rail-to-truck transloading, locomotive staging and servicing, and local administrative offices. Petitioners say the U.S. Navy seeks to acquire Parcel 4B and that without Parcel 4B operation of the remainder of the Line would be "operationally and economically impracticable," prompting termination of the lease and discontinuance filings.
Freight Could Shift from Rail to Trucks
The abandonment and discontinuance of about 2.3 miles of track in Virginia Beach and Norfolk could shift some freight away from rail to truck transport. That change could increase truck traffic and change shipping logistics in ZIP Codes 23455 and 23502 while the Board considers the petition (filing was March 9, 2026).
Railroad Employees Have Protection Conditions
The notice says the interests of railroad employees will be protected by the conditions set forth in the Oregon Short Line case (360 I.C.C. 91 (1979)). These protections apply as the Board proceeds with the abandonment/discontinuance exemption.
Community Can Request Trail or Public Use
The Line may be suitable for public use or interim trail use (railbanking). Any request for a public use condition or for interim trail use/railbanking must be filed by April 16, 2026.
Deadlines for Financial Assistance Offers
Anyone wanting to submit an offer of financial assistance (OFA) must file a formal expression of intent by April 6, 2026, showing the type of assistance and preliminary financial responsibility. An OFA will be due no later than 120 days after the petition filing or 10 days after service of a decision granting the exemption, whichever comes sooner.
Environmental Review and Comment Schedule
The Board's Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) will prepare an environmental assessment (EA) or environmental impact statement; EAs are normally made available within 60 days of the petition filing, and the deadline for comments on the EA generally will be within 30 days of its service.
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: 2026-05938, Proposed Information Collection Activity; Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Pilot Evaluation
The government wants to test new ways to help families get Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) by picking up to five states for a special pilot program. They’ll collect info from staff and participants to see what works best and share results with Congress by 2027. If you work with TANF or live in a pilot state, you might see some new surveys and interviews starting soon!
Next: 2026-05941, Buckingham Branch Railroad Company-Discontinuance Exemption-in the City of Virginia Beach and the City of Norfolk, Va.
Buckingham Branch Railroad wants to stop running trains on a 4.2-mile track between Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Virginia, because the U.S. Navy is buying nearby land for security reasons. This change mainly affects one local shipper, Gordon Paper, and will happen after the Navy’s purchase is finalized. The railroad says keeping the line open won’t make sense financially or operationally anymore.