Proposed new railroad would cross New Kent
A new railroad line crossing part of New Kent County appears to be in the works, but thus far, local officials have little to go on as far as details regarding the proposal.
New Kent officials learned last week that a private company is behind the proposal. When contacted, county administrator Rodney Hathaway declined to identify the company except to say the concept originated from a business in neighboring King William County. Speculation, however, abounds that owners of a King William plant that produces cat litter could be advancing the new rail line concept.
“[The railroad line] is still in very preliminary stages,” Hathaway said. “The parties involved are in the feasibility stage to see if localities support it. It’s seriously being looked at, but from a feasibility standpoint it doesn’t seem to make sense to do a project like that.”
Hathaway confirmed though that the proposed route would travel a path that stretches from Doswell, located north of Richmond in Hanover County, to Toano in James City County. The line would connect with existing railroads tracks in each of those localities. An exact route has yet to be established, and any construction work would be years away, he added.
“We’re trying to figure the purpose,” Hathaway said. “This just came to [the] Economic Development [Department] and supervisors last week.
“We’re all in fact-finding mode,” he said, adding that no documentation has been made available. “I’ve not seen any maps or plans. We’re asking for information.”
CSX operates the existing line that runs east west through Providence Forge and Lanexa in the southern section of New Kent. Norfolk Southern has an existing line stretching across northern portions of the county.
“The railroad companies are aware of this new line, but their involvement is pretty much limited,” said Hathaway. “My understanding is that they are not the lead on this project, but they are involved.”
Hathway said it makes sense for the private company to tie in its proposed line at the Doswell and Toano points since more rails are available there. Existing lines in New Kent are single rail, meaning just one set of tracks.
The proposed line could affect the Route 33 corridor in the eastern part of New Kent, he said. That area already has considerable acreage set aside for commercial and industrial development.
“New Kent has a lot to gain from a project like this since it could impact land designated for economic development,” he said.
But of major concern to county officials is potential impact the line could have on residents, particularly those that lie in the path of a route provided the concept moves through to fruition. Eminent domain could factor in if a route is approved and land for right of way becomes an issue,
Hathaway said, adding, “Railroads have that authority.
“Hopefully, we’ll get more information on this soon,” he said. “We’ll try not to impact citizens. Finding out the impact on New Kent residents will be very important.”