Why South Dakota\u27s Branchlines Face Abandonment

The railroads serving South Dakota discontinued service on several branchlines prior to 1978. Abandonment of three more branchlines is either pending or has already been approved by the Interstate Commerce Commission. In response to requirements of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976, railroads have published their intentions with respect to future rail service in South Dakota. These intentions include the abandonment within 3 years of 13 additional branchlines and the study for possible future abandonment of another 13 branchlines