Palmetto Railways announced on March 19 that it will begin operating locomotives and trains along the Salkehatchie Subdivision, a 40-mile rail line running through Hampton and Colleton Counties in South Carolina. Train activity is expected to start at the end of March and early April.
The resumption of service marks a significant development for the region, as the Salkehatchie Subdivision—formerly known as the Hampton & Branchville Railroad (H&B)—had ceased operations in these counties in 2012. The line was purchased in 2017 by Palmetto Railways and Colleton County, with support from the State of South Carolina, to promote future industrial growth in this part of the state.
There are a total of 82 private and public at-grade crossings along the route. Several public crossings have been identified as having frequent vehicle traffic and reduced visibility, including Country Club Road, Sandy Run Road, Old Salkehatchie Highway, Confederate Highway, Bells Highway, Lowcountry Highway, and Ruffin Road. The public is being urged to exercise caution around these areas. Trains will operate sporadically without a set schedule.
“See Tracks? Think Train,” said Palmetto Railways. The company emphasized that safety is its top priority and reminded residents that trains can be quiet and may approach from either direction at any time. People are advised not to walk, run, sit, or play on or near railroad tracks.
Palmetto Railways was established in 1969 to support economic viability in South Carolina by providing safe rail solutions for freight movement and economic development efforts. As a division of the South Carolina Department of Commerce based in Charleston, it serves multiple industries across five counties in the Lowcountry region.
