Norfolk Southern wants $3.5 million for abandoned rail line, but city of Dayton believes the value is much lower

David C. Lester

The city of Dayton, Ohio, wants to create a multi-use trail that would connect downtown to eastern neighborhoods. However, officials have been unable to connect with Norfolk Southern when it comes to a price for an abandoned rail line.

Dayton needs to acquire a 6.5-mile-long track owned by the Class 1 company as a vital part of its Flight Line. The rail line has been abandoned since 2017, and the plan is to convert the rail line into a recreational trail that would include an elevated section for breathtaking views of the city.

City officials have been negotiating with Norfolk Southern to acquire the rail for three years, and the two sides appear to be miles apart in terms of price. A city appraiser values the track at $785,000, while Norfolk Southern’s appraiser puts the asking price at $3.5 million.

Norfolk Southern has offered a phased acquisition to help Dayton pay for the asking price, and the Class 1 has no plans on breaking up the line and selling it in pieces to other investors.

The city of Dayton talked with Norfolk Southern about acquiring the line as early as last week, and officials expect more meetings between the two later this month.

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