Many railfans will argue that one of the biggest mistakes CSX ever made (in Virginia) was abandoning the former Seaboard Air Line (SAL) mainline between Petersburg, VA to Norlina, NC.  Regardless of one's opinion, the line is no more.  The SAL was the arch rival of the Atlantic Coast Line (ACL) and the two companies both made their northern terminus in Richmond.  The SAL was actually headquartered in Richmond for a number of years with their corporate offices being located adjacent to joint RF&P/ACL trackage.   

Almost immediately following the 1967 merger with the ACL, the segment from Centralia to Petersburg was abandoned in favor of using the existing ACL mainline (A-Line).  In 1987 CSX finally pulled the plug on the Norlina Subdivision and the tracks were ripped out.  Coincidentally, the signals that once protected the S-Line were sent to Savannah for refurbishment and are now serving faithfully over on the North End Subdivision between Richmond and Rocky Mount. 

Thanks to the generous contributions from Steve Hammer, Herman Wilkins, Jeff Allgood, Walt Gay, and Dale Jacobson I am able to feature the S-Line in my ongoing "Abandoned Rails" project.   For additional photos of the modern day Norlina Subdivision, click here. 

If you would like to contribute material, please e-mail me. 

Appomattox River Bridge - S22.0

The ominous SAL Bridge over the Appomattox River in Petersburg is being dismantled in this 1983 photo.  The large concrete piers still stand to this day.

Photo by Herman Wilkins - 1983

North of Dinwiddie - S34.0

Oops!  SCL caboose # 0950 from train 289 has flipped over at milepost S34 during a derailment in 1984.

Photo by Herman Wilkins - 1984

Dinwiddie - S37.5

The beginning of the end.  CSX crews begin the process of ripping up the rails through Dinwiddie.  From here on out, only memories will remain of trains traversing this line.

Photo by Herman Wilkins - 1987

Dewitt - S41.8

Just prior to abandonment, SCL GP38-2 #2546 is southbound passing through DeWitt to pick up the last few cars at McKenney.

Photo by Herman Wilkins - 1987

Alberta - S61.1

The fall colors are at peak in this photo looking north in Alberta.  It has now been 5 years since the tracks were taken up and the right-of-way is surprisingly still somewhat clear.

Photo by Photo by Steve Hammer - October, 1992

Alberta Oil House - S61.1

The old oil house in Alberta stands proudly amidst the rapidly growing weeds. 

Photo by Steve Hammer - October, 1992

Alberta Station - S61.1

Jeff Allgood shot this photo of the old SAL "station" in Alberta just one year prior to abandonment.  This structure still stands in 2004, however it is surrounded by trees and overgrowth.  Note the bridge in the top left corner of the photo that carries the ex-VGN over the S-Line.

Photo by Jeff Allgood - 1986

Alberta - S61.1

Another building located in Alberta.

Photo by Steve Hammer - October, 1992

Alberta - S61.1

Yet another structure from the Alberta area.

Photo by Steve Hammer - October, 1992

Alberta - S61.1

This excellent photo shows the area where the VGN crossed the SAL.  Note the old station off to the right that was featured in a prior photo.

Photo by Steve Hammer - July, 1991

LaCrosse - S79.0

Another town that once hosted 2 railroads is LaCrosse.  In addition to the SAL, the Norfolk, Franklin & Danville ran east/west through town crossing the S-Line on a diamond.  This view is looking north and Rt. 58 is visible in the center of the photo on the dirt fill.  

Photo by Steve Hammer - June, 1992

LaCrosse - S79.0

A look at various buildings in LaCrosse. 

Photo by Steve Hammer - June, 1992

LaCrosse - S79.0

Steve Hammer provides this view of the SAL "station" that served LaCrosse.  The right-of-way is located on the very left edge of the photo and follows the code line poles in the distance.

Photo by Steve Hammer - June, 1992

Bracey - S83.7

Looking north from what used to be the Bracey Drive grade crossing.

Photo by Jeff Hawkins - February 18, 2004

Bracey - S83.7

The old depot in Bracey is now privately owned and still looks respectable in this modern view.

Photo by Jeff Hawkins - January 4, 2002

Bracey - S83.7

This photo shows how the depot appeared in April 2008.  Note that the "BRACEY, VA" sign on the end of the building is now gone.  I don't know if this was removed by the owners or if someone stole it.  

Bracey - S83.7

Looking south from what used to be the Bracey Drive grade crossing.  The depot is visible through the trees in the left of the photo.

Photo by Jeff Hawkins - February 18, 2004

Bracey - S83.7

The view looking south from the Highway 903 overpass towards Lake Gaston in April 2008.

Bracey - S83.7

The view looking north from the Highway 903 overpass in April 2008.

Lake Gaston Bridge - S86

This photo was taken from Interstate 85 and shows the SAL Bridge over Lake Gaston.