R.J. Corman takes possession of Carolina Southern; renovation of track underway

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

R. J. Corman Railroad Company took possession of the former Carolina Southern on August 17, but began moving equipment into place and clearing shrubs on the overgrown line two weeks before the deal was sealed in an effort to return the line to working order as quickly as possible.

 

“We are grateful to the many community leaders who had the vision and determination to work together, form the interstate railroad committee and make this transition possible,” said R. J. Corman Railroad Group President and Chief Executive Officer Craig King.
“We are especially grateful to Columbus and Horry Counties, which helped fund the project and Mark Lazarus and Bill Clark who provided guidance and support in that effort. It truly is an amazing accomplishment.”

R. J. Corman expects to begin moving freight on the railway, which stretches from Mullins, S.C., to Myrtle Beach, S.C., and connects to lines in North Carolina, within six months.

For local officials, the sound of train whistles in Columbus, Marion and Horry Counties can’t come soon enough.

“We’re ecstatic to be on track to once again have rail service for this region,” said Mark Lazarus, chairman of the Horry County Council. “In addition to being more cost effective for our industries and producers, the railroad will reduce highway congestion, making travel easier and safer for residents and the millions of people who visit the Grand Strand every year.”

“We are reminding everyone that it’s time to start paying attention to railroad crossings again,” said King. “We’ll be saying this over and over again, ‘When you see tracks, always think TRAIN!’ There is no contest between a train and person or a car, so we ask you to please stop, look and listen before crossing any tracks.”

He continued, “We want only good things to come from our railroad operations. “We look forward to a long and rewarding relationship with the industries we serve, as well as the leaders and the residents of these great communities. Thank you for everything you have done to welcome us and everything you will do in the future to stay safe.”

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