x
Breaking News
More () »

Amtrak restores service after coal train derails in Great Dismal Swamp; environmental concerns remain

Amtrak service to and from Norfolk is back up after a Norfolk Southern freight train derailed west of the city.

CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Amtrak service to and from Norfolk is restored Thursday, days after a Norfolk Southern freight train derailed while traveling through the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.

The derailment occurred Tuesday morning, less than a mile east of the Chesapeake/Suffolk line. The train had been transporting coal when 36 cars went off the track.

Credit: 13News Now

Amtrak service was suspended as the wreckage continues to be cleaned up.

Modified Amtrak service includes:

  • Northeast Regional 94 will operate from Richmond, Va., to Boston. 
  • Northeast Regional 95 will operate from Boston to Washington, D.C.
  • Northeast Regional 93 will operate from Boston to Richmond, Va.
  • Northeast Regional 84 will operate from Washington, D.C., to Boston. 

Customers can contact Amtrak at 1-800-872-7245 for assistance modifying reservations. Northeast Corridor service between Boston and Washington, D.C., will continue to operate as scheduled. 

Meanwhile, there are concerns the spilled coal could impact wildlife in the wildlife refuge, including endangered species.

The coal that was being transported is a fine material, almost like sand. Refuge manager Chris Lowie said there is a moderate concern that heavy metals in the coal might ultimately cause pollution of the water, but they will not know the extent until they start sampling it after the wreck is cleaned up.

A Norfolk Southern spokesperson said no injuries were reported during the incident, and the coal spill is confined to a relatively small area adjacent to Norfolk Souther’s tracks. She added there is no impact on any major waterway.

Norfolk Southern operations and environmental personnel are on-site working closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to coordinate cleanup efforts and develop an environmental restoration plan.

The Great Dismal Swamp is home to endangered species such as long-eared bats and red-cockaded woodpeckers. But the coal will most likely impact aquatic species such as snakes and turtles.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Before You Leave, Check This Out