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Pennsylvania Northeastern Railroad L.L.C. (PNR) recently filed an exemption notice with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to acquire rights to operate the “Lansdale Cluster” lines in Pennsylvania.

PNR seeks to acquire a permanent freight easement from CSX Transportation concerning the 55.5 miles of track, which are owned by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). The Lansdale Cluster includes the Bethlehem, Doylestown and New Hope branches, and New York Line.

Freight operations on the lines have been conducted under a trackage rights agreement originally reached between SEPTA and Conrail, and now in force between SEPTA, CSXT and Norfolk Southern Railway. The parties plan to amend the agreement to assign CSXT’s rights to operate the lines to PNR.

PNR is finalizing an agreement with CSXT to acquire the rights and expects the transaction to be consummated on or after Aug. 13, according to the STB filing.