Delaware, a state defined by its strategic location on the Delmarva Peninsula, has a rich railroad history that has been vital to its agricultural and industrial economy. While massive Class I railroads pass through the state, the operator with the longest and most extensive railroad network within Delaware is a regional powerhouse: the Delmarva Central Railroad.
The Champion of Length: Delmarva Central Railroad
The Delmarva Central Railroad (DCR) is a short-line railroad that has become the dominant rail freight carrier in the state.
- Length: The DCR operates approximately 188 miles of track across the Delmarva Peninsula, with the vast majority of that trackage located within the state of Delaware.
- Route: Its main line runs north-south, connecting with the major Norfolk Southern railway in Newark and Wilmington and traveling down through the entire state to the Maryland border. It serves as a crucial link for businesses throughout Delaware.
A Historic Legacy:
The tracks that the Delmarva Central Railroad operates on are steeped in history. Most of its network is comprised of the former Delmarva Division of the historic Pennsylvania Railroad, which was essential to the development of the peninsula's agricultural industry in the 19th and 20th centuries. The DCR took over the lines in 2016, continuing a long legacy of rail service in the First State.
What It Hauls: Fueling Delaware's Economy
The Delmarva Central Railroad is a vital commercial artery, primarily serving the agricultural and industrial sectors of the state. It typically hauls:
- Grain and agricultural products from Delaware's farms.
- Propane, chemicals, and building materials for various industries.
- Paper products and sand.
Other Major Railroads in Delaware:
- Norfolk Southern (NS): A major Class I railroad that has a significant presence, particularly in Northern Delaware, connecting the Port of Wilmington and other industrial sites to the national rail network.
- CSX Transportation: Another major Class I railroad with trackage in the state.
- Amtrak: The high-speed Northeast Corridor for passenger rail runs through the northern part of Delaware, with major stops in Wilmington and Newark.
While passenger trains and major national freight lines pass through its northern tip, the Delmarva Central Railroad holds the title as the longest railroad operating within the state of Delaware. By serving the state's vital agricultural and industrial heartland on tracks laid down by the historic Pennsylvania Railroad, the DCR continues a long and proud tradition, functioning as a true lifeline for the economy of the First State.
Sources:
- Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) - Rail Administration
- Delmarva Central Railroad (Carload Express)
- Norfolk Southern & CSX Transportation (Official Websites)
- The Pennsylvania Railroad Technical & Historical Society
- Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
