Iowa Rail Line Slated for Abandonment Amid Costs
Published Date: 5/4/2026
Notice
Summary
Norfolk Southern Railway and Iowa Interstate Railroad want to stop using and lease a 12.2-mile rail line in Polk County, Iowa, because it’s costing more to run than it makes. This change affects local shippers near Des Moines and Grimes, with a final decision expected by July 31, 2026. If anyone wants to keep the line running, they need to act fast and offer financial help soon!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
12.2‑Mile Rail Line Abandonment
If you are a shipper or business that uses the 12.2-mile rail line in Polk County (between milepost DU 340.8 and DU 353.0, including the 0.8-mile Clive Spur), Norfolk Southern and Iowa Interstate have asked to abandon it. The petition says traffic and revenues are insufficient to cover costs, so local shippers near Des Moines and Grimes could lose rail service if the Board grants abandonment by July 31, 2026.
Opportunity to Submit Financial Offers
If you or your community want to keep the line running, you can submit an Offer of Financial Assistance (OFA). A formal expression of intent to file an OFA had to be filed by May 14, 2026, and any OFA will be due no later than 120 days after the petition filing or 10 days after a decision granting the petition, whichever comes sooner; OFA filers must state whether they propose a subsidy or purchase and show preliminary financial responsibility per 49 CFR 1152.27(c)(1)(i).
Chance to Convert Line to Trail
The line may be converted to a public use or interim trail (rail‑banking) after abandonment. Requests for a public use condition or interim trail use/rail banking had to be filed by May 22, 2026, and several local governments and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation already jointly asked for a public use condition for the segment between milepost DU 340.8 and DU 353.0.
Railroad Employee Protections
The notice says the interests of railroad employees will be protected by the conditions set forth in the Oregon Short Line abandonment decision. If the line is abandoned, employee protections from that decision will apply to affected railroad workers.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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