WASHINGTON — Norfolk Southern’s proposed abandonment of the Saluda Grade in North and South Carolina will not need to undergo an environmental impact statement process, the Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Assessment has determined in a decision released today (Monday, Nov. 25).
The railroad filed for abandonment of 31.3 miles of the long-dormant route between between Zirconia, N.C., and Inman, S.C., in October [see “Norfolk Southern files …,” Trains News Wire, Nov. 1, 2024]. Abandonment of the line, last used in 2001, would be effective Dec. 20, 2024. The railroad has agreed to sell the right-of-way to the Saluda Grade Trail Conservancy, which has until August 2025 to raise the funds to complete the transaction [see “Groups sign contract to purchase …,” News Wire, Aug. 7, 2024].
As part of its abandonment request, NS submitted a combined environmental and historic report concluding the abandonment would not significantly affect the quality of the human environment. The Office of Environmental Assessment, in its review of that document, notes that the South Carolina Department of Transportation has raised questions regarding grade crossings that will remain following abandonment, and recommended that NS be required to consult with SCDOT about those concerns — the only condition it is recommending if the STB grants the abandonment request. Otherwise, the office agreed with the NS assessment that the abandonment would have no significant environmental impact.
