West Virginia adds OmniTRAX’s industry-leading logistics expertise and safety record to strengthen panhandle railroad
Moorefield, W.Va.– November 29, 2023 – OmniTRAX, Inc., a comprehensive supply-chain and logistics solutions provider, and the transportation affiliate of The Broe Group, has entered into a definitive agreement with The West Virginia Department of Transportation to operate and grow the South Branch Valley Railroad (SBVR). OmniTRAX assumes operational management on December 1, 2023.
“OmniTRAX delivers industry-leading safety and reliability, and we’re honored to have been selected to operate this important railroad for the Eastern Panhandle Region and the State of West Virginia,” said OmniTRAX CEO Dean Piacente. “OmniTRAX has a proven track record of being committed community partners that bring new jobs to the areas we serve. We are excited to bring that spirit of service to the Potomac Highlands communities and operate with the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad to make the SBVR thrive.”
SBVR becomes the 26th railroad in the OmniTRAX rail network and joins the economic powerhouse Winchester and Western Railroad (WW) among existing West Virginia rail service provided by OmniTRAX.
“We believe in West Virginia. The WW has attracted $2.6 billion of direct investment along the line, creating 6,000 direct and indirect jobs, and we look forward to bringing new growth to the SBVR and the Eastern Panhandle Region,” said Sergio Sabatini, OmniTRAX’s President and Chief Operating Officer.
“OmniTRAX brings strong market knowledge, a national network of partners, and a best-in-class safety record,” said West Virginia Division of Multimodal Transportation Facilities Commissioner Cindy Butler. “After careful consideration, it became clear that OmniTRAX is the ideal logistics partner to grow the SBVR.”
SBVR is a 52.4-mile line operating between Petersburg and Green Spring, West Virginia. The railroad is a former branch of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Co. that provides freight service to West Virginia’s eastern panhandle.
