The Low-Tech Times previously reported that Norfolk Southern (NS) was upgrading it’s B-line from Manassas, Virginia to Riverton Junction (near Front Royal) to increase capacity and take trucks off the highway.
Brief History of the NS B-Line
The line was once a sleepy track with only a couple of trains per day. Then, as real estate prices boomed in Alexandria, NS sold off much of their yard there. Today, a Time Life building stands among other buildings on the former NS property. Additionally, CSX’s (ex-RF&P) Potomac Yard was completely sold off for real estate development. A shopping center is now named Potomac Yard.
With no significant rail terminal near DC, it made more sense to route north-south Norfolk Southern traffic around DC via Manassas, VA; Riverton Junction, VA; and Hagerstown, MD. By running trains via this route, NS could also keep trains on tracks that they owned. As a result of the new routing, traffic on the curvy single track B-line route increased tenfold.
Over the years, NS installed passing tracks and improved bridges along the picturesque B-line route through the Virginia countryside. Most recently, NS increased the length of the passing tracks between Cody and Woods, and also at Allison.
The End of Dark Territory
For years, the line had no signals except for a couple of spring switch indicators approaching Cody and Woods. Dispatchers would grant exactly one train permission to use a section of track at one time. Crews would call the dispatcher on the two-way radio and request a track warrant. They would copy down the information given by the dispatcher on a paper form. That piece of paper, the track warrant, would give them permission to occupy the track between particular points. The crew would have to give up that track warrant prior to any other train being issued a warrant for the same location. Since there were no lighted signals to govern the movement of trains, the line was considered dark territory.
As of last weekend, the paper age is finally over and automatic signals now govern trains along the route.
Post a Comment