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FOOTHILLS—In a significant development for the region, the Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Assessment has determined that Norfolk Southern’s proposed abandonment of the Saluda Grade will not require an environmental impact statement. 

This decision, released on Monday, November 25, clears a significant hurdle for the railroad’s plans to officially discontinue operations along the long-dormant route.

Norfolk Southern filed earlier this month to abandon 31.3 miles of track between Zirconia, North Carolina, and Inman, South Carolina. This stretch of rail has not seen service since 2001, and the abandonment is set to take effect on December 20, 2024.

As part of the abandonment process, Norfolk Southern has initiated a deal to sell the right-of-way to the Saluda Grade Trail Conservancy. The conservancy now faces the task of raising the necessary funds to complete the transaction by August 2025.

In its abandonment request, Norfolk Southern provided a combined environmental and historical report, asserting that the discontinuation would not significantly impact the quality of the environment. Upon reviewing this documentation, the Office of Environmental Assessment noted some concerns the South Carolina Department of Transportation raised regarding existing grade crossings that will remain post-abandonment. 

As a result, the office is recommending that Norfolk Southern consult with SCDOT to address these issues, marking the only condition it has put forth if the Surface Transportation Board grants the abandonment.

Overall, the Office of Environmental Assessment agreed with Norfolk Southern’s assessment, concluding that the abandonment would have no significant environmental impacts.

As the timeline progresses, local stakeholders and community members will be watching closely to see how the transition from the rail line to the proposed Saluda Grade Trail unfolds and to ensure that any resulting concerns are adequately addressed.

The Saluda Grade Trail would run approximately 31 miles from Inman to Zirconia.