1. Home
 ›
2. Short Lines
 ›
3. Belpre Industrial Parkersburg Railroad

Belpre Industrial Parkersburg Railroad: Operating The Ex-B&O

Published: July 25, 2024

By: Adam Burns

Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian region, the Belpre Industrial Parkersburg Railroad (BIP) operates as a beacon of efficiency and innovation in the short line industry.

Based in Parkersburg, West Virginia, the BIP provides essential freight services that bolster local economies and connect industries with the broader national rail network.

This article delves into the history, operations, and significance of the Belpre Industrial Parkersburg Railroad, showcasing how a small-scale railroad can have a substantial impact on regional commerce.

Belpre Industrial Parkersburg GP38-3 #378 leads Job #1 eastbound off the Ohio River Bridge into the old B&O High Yard at Parkersburg, West Virginia on May 31, 2024. This span was part of the St. Louis main line but is now abandoned west of Belpre, Ohio and east of the old yard. Doug Kroll photo.

Heritage and Creation

A division of Cathcart Rail, the Belpre Industrial Parkersburg Railroad began operations on May 2, 2020 after CSX Transportation shed all of its remaining ex-Baltimore & Ohio trackage between Parkersburg and Marietta, excluding its Ohio River Subdivision.

Owners Casey and Thomas Cathcart formed the BIP to take advantage of the industrial opportunities in Wood County, West Virginia, and Washington County, Ohio—regions with a rich heritage of manufacturing, chemicals, and other industrial activities.

The short line operators also believed traffic could be greatly improved due to CSX's lack of interest in serving these local customers.

The property included a total of 48 miles; roughly 6 miles of the former B&O's Philadelphia/Baltimore - St. Louis main line between the High Yard in Parkersburg and just west of Belpre, Ohio at the Krayton Corporation.

In addition, the sale included the ex-B&O's "Marietta Branch" running 9 miles from the end of the Ohio River Bridge in Belpre to Marietta; and finally, roughly 27 miles of the old Ohio & Little Kanawha Branch (O&LK Branch or O&LK Subdivision) between Marietta and Relief.

The High Yard was once the pivotal hub for the B&O's operations in the area, connecting the Monongah Division to the east and the Ohio Division to the west (St. Louis main line).

Passenger service survived until October, 1981 when Amtrak discontinued its Shenandoah (Washington - Cincinnati) that fall.

The closure of the Ohio Division in 1985 led to the partial removal of rail infrastructure, with only the segment from Parkersburg to Little Hocking, Ohio remaining.

The O&LK Subdivision had been closed as a through route to Zanesville since 1974 due to washouts. The 74-mile line, which linked the B&O's Ohio Division at Belpre and Newark Division (Pittsburgh-Wheeling-Columbus) at Zanesville, had once been an key through route in the movement of coal and other traffic.

However, by the 1970s its importance had long since dwindled.  Follwing the 1974 washout then-Chessie System was not interested in repairing the line. The ICC subsequently gave the B&O permission to abandon the Philo-Relief section November, 1980 and the tracks were removed in 1983.

CSX attempted to revitalize its remaining Marietta Subdivision during the 1990s when, in 1994, a 20-year contract was established to transport coal to an American Electric Power plant in Relief. However, this service ceased in April 2015 following the plant's closure.

With no major customers remaining, CSX e property up for sale in June, 2018 which led to the Cathcarts' acquisition.  When the purchase was finalized CSX included the old High Yard and main line to Krayton in Belpre.

Belpre Industrial Parkersburg GP38-3s #478 and #378 are switching the Eveready Battery plant in Marietta, Ohio on May 31, 2024. Doug Kroll photo.

Economic Impact and Community Engagement

The BIP plays a significant role in the economic vibrancy of the Mid-Ohio Valley. By providing reliable and cost-effective freight services, the railroad helps local industries reduce transportation costs and improve logistics efficiency. This, in turn, makes these industries more competitive and capable of expanding their market reach.

Moreover, the railroad has spurred job creation both directly and indirectly. While BIPR employs a dedicated team of rail professionals, its operations also support numerous ancillary services, including maintenance crews, logistics consultants, and suppliers.

The BIP primarily serves industries dealing in aggregates, coal, asphalt, plastics, chemicals, metals, and carbon black. The majority of its clientele is located along the Marietta line between Belpre and Marietta, specializing in the production of carbon black, steel, and asphalt.

The ex-B&O Ohio Division's sole customer is Kraton Polymers in Belpre, situated at the end of the line.  However, the plant produces considerable carloads annually.

Within the High Yard, two significant operations are conducted by Cathcart Rail's Bucyrus Railcar Repair and Utica Tank Cleaning, collectively providing a comprehensive rail-service package to customers.

The BIP's roster is comprised of GP38-3s, with three units arriving just before the railroad's launch and a fourth added later in the summer.

Interchange with CSX's Ohio River Subdivision occurs at the Transfer Track in Parkersburg, where CSX’s Low Yard connects with the Belpre Industrial Parkersburg’s High Yard. Although CSX retains ownership of the Transfer Track, the short line railroad holds trackage rights to operate in the Low Yard.

Looking ahead, BIP aims to expand its service offerings and geographical reach. Potential opportunities include developing transload facilities that allow for seamless transfer of goods between trucks and trains, thereby broadening the scope of industries that can benefit from rail transport. Strategic marketing and community outreach efforts further solidify BIP’s role as a vital logistics partner in the region.

Diesel Roster

Belpre Industrial Parkersburg GP38-3s #378 and #478 are at Constitution, Ohio and headed back to Parkersburg on May 31, 2024. Doug Kroll photo.

Conclusion

The Belpre Industrial Parkersburg Railroad exemplifies the pivotal role short line railroads play in sustaining local economies and connecting smaller industries to global markets.

Through a combination of strategic operational practices, community engagement, and a forward-looking vision, BIPR has established itself as an indispensable asset in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

As it navigates the challenges of the modern logistics landscape, BIP remains committed to fostering economic growth, promoting sustainability, and enhancing the quality of life in the communities it serves.

The railroad’s journey is a testament to the enduring relevance of rail transport in an ever-evolving industrial landscape, proving that even short lines can have a far-reaching impact.