Buckingham Branch launches Norfolk Division

Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief
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Buckingham Branch Railroad on Aug. 1 launched its new Norfolk Division, which will serve the Norfolk, Va., region via a seven-mile line linking Coleman Place in Norfolk with Little Creek in Virginia Beach, Va.

The Norfolk Division’s primary customer is the Chesapeake Tunnel Joint Venture. The new line “will be an important link in the supply chain for materials used in the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel expansion project, by delivering ballast rock and other raw materials to the staging site,” the railroad said. “The rocks are too large and heavy to move efficiently via highway. This is an example of how private railroads support public infrastructure growth, relieve stress on existing infrastructure, reduce the environmental impact of large construction projects, and make our highways less congested and safer.”

BB’s Norfolk Division will also serve Dynaric, Gordon Paper Company, and Mid Atlantic Transload. Plans to further expand the division’s contribution to the region’s economy are in the works, “with numerous opportunities to grow business through the available properties along the line and increased transloading at Little Creek Yard,” the railroad said. BB interchanges with Norfolk Southern, CSX Transportation and Norfolk Portsmouth Belt Line, all of which “provide additional options for service.”

“The Buckingham Branch is excited to expand its customer base to include the Norfolk region,” said President Steve Powell. “We look forward to serving our new customers and expanding the transportation options in the most industrial area in Virginia.”

Buckingham Branch Railroad serves 40 customers on four divisions across Virginia. The BB operates more than 282 miles of track with 19 locomotives and 75 employees.

Buckingham Branch system map. Norfolk Division not shown.

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