The other day I was looking at a Virginia state transportation map, and looking at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel I saw to the west of it a dashed line that said “railroad barge.” I’m assuming this is still in use today since it is on the map, but can anyone tell me if it is and what railroad uses it? I would assume it is Norfolk Southern or CSX. I haven’t found it anywhere on the internet, so any help will be appreciated. Any pictures would be great as well.
Baltimore used barges extensively to ship cars to and from the other side. It was quite handy at the time. I dont know about the bay bridge but your map suggests that at one time the railroad needed to cross the bay to get to the eastern shore.
I would be interested in knowing if there is still barge service for the railroad operating today by the bridge.
Which part of the Chesapeake Bay are you talking about ?
The last time I was in the Newport News/Norfolk/Virginia Beach area (1987)
Across the 'Bay/Bridge in Cape Charles,the “Eastern Shore R.R.”
still had ‘barge service’ to either Norfolk,or Virginia Beach.
Just pulled up “Eastern Shore’s” web site.
The very first picture shows a tug with a barge of railcars.
I’ve been across the Bay/Bridge several times,have seen some
of their operations,but have never gotten close enough to really
get any good pictures.
(just do a google,and type in Eastern Shore Railroad)
From the Norfolk area across to the peninsula, where the bridge-tunnel is at.
According to the SPV Applachia & Piedmont atlas, it in an ESHR (Eastern Shore) Ferry between Little Creek and Cape Charles. In years past it was operated by the Pennsylvania RR.