WIRE, PIPELINE, AND FIBER OPTICS PROJECTS

RailPros, a firm that provides engineering and construction services for rail and transit, manages all Pipeline and Wireline permitting requests for Norfolk Southern. All permitting requests must be submitted through RailPros’ online permit management system.

The cloud-based right-of-way management software allows applicants to upload attachments, send messages, obtain real-time status updates, execute agreements, pay application fees, and coordinate required field services.

Starting April 1, 2023, NS added several new fees to our Pipe and Wire program.

They include:

• A $500 fee for each review required after the second review. The initial review and second review are included in the initial application fee.
• A Variance Request Fee of $3,500 for all occupancy types. The applicant will be notified after the first review if a variance is required for project approval. The applicant can then decide to pay the fee and proceed with the plan as originally submitted, or they can revise the plan to avoid requesting a variance.  
• A Longitudinal Review Fee of $3,500 for review of longitudinal or parallel occupancies.

A complete schedule of fees: Download Pipe and Wire Program Fees 

In some situations, Norfolk Southern offers the option for a participant to pay a Risk Fee for a project in lieu of obtaining a commercial Railroad Protective Liability (RPL) policy. The Risk Fee enables Norfolk Southern to add the associated project to its Master RPL policy.

The $1,900 fee is well below the minimum premium of $2,500 for a typical commercial RPL policy, representing a significant value to Norfolk Southern’s Pipe and Wire business partners. It can be purchased through the online permitting portal.

For more information, contact NS.Permitting@RailPros.com.