Norfolk Southern/Conrail Rail Connection–Bucyrus, Ohio - Surface ...

CHAPTER 1
Description of the Proposed Action
CSX Corporation and CSX Corporation Inc. (CSX), Norfolk Southern Corporation and Norfolk
Southern Railway Corporation (NS), and Conrail Inc. and Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail)
have filed a joint application with the Board seeking authorization for the acquisition of Conrail by CSX
and NS. The fundamental objective of the proposed acquisition is to divide existing Conrail assets and
operations between CSX and NS. As a result, certain Conrail facilities and operations would be
assigned individually to either CSX or NS through operating agreements or other mechanisms, and
certain other existing Conrail facilities would be shared or operated by both CSX and NS. As a part of
their joint application, CSX and NS have petitioned the Board to grant waivers which would allow the
railroads to begin construction on a limited number of connections following an environmental review
and approval of the constructions, but in advance of a final ruling on the primary transaction.
A connection at Bucyrus, Ohio is proposed to integrate the Conrail lines into the NS system. This
Environmental Assessment (EA) has been prepared by SEA to determine whether early construction of
the proposed connection would have any significant impacts to the human and natural environment.
Relevant government agencies were consulted for their comments on environmental issues, permit
requirements, and necessary approvals related to the project. A sample letter, a list of the agencies to
whom a letter was sent, and the agency responses are included in Appendix C.
1.1 OVERVIEW OF THE PROPOSED RAIL CONNECTION
1.1.1 Location and Description
The City of Bucyrus, in Crawford County, Ohio, is approximately 70 miles north of the City of
Columbus, Ohio. The new project would connect the existing north/south NS main line between
Bellevue, Ohio and Columbus, Ohio to the existing east/west Conrail main line between Crestline, Ohio
and Fort Wayne, Indiana. The connection would provide a new, more efficient route from Columbus,
Ohio to eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania by increasing rail traffic capacity and improving service
to shippers. NS’ objectives are to construct a connection which will permit safe and efficient train
operations while minimizing curvature and minimizing potential impacts on area residences. According
to NS, without the proposed connection, the NS traffic would have to be routed through Cleveland and
Bellevue to reach Columbus, a more circuitous (approximately 70 miles longer), rail-congested, and
populated route.
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