A long‑dormant rail line in the South Carolina Lowcountry has been reactivated, and local officials are urging drivers and residents to treat all railroad crossings along the route with fresh caution. The Salkehatchie Rail Line, a 40‑mile track formerly known as the Hampton & Branchville Railroad, is now being operated again by Palmetto Railways through both Hampton and Colleton Counties.
What’s Changed
- The line has been inactive since 2012 and was purchased in 2017 through a partnership involving Palmetto Railways, Colleton County, and the state to support future industrial and freight growth in the region.
- Train operations began in late March to early April 2026, with locomotives and freight cars now running along the route with no fixed schedule—meaning a train can appear at any time, from either direction.
Where to Be Extra Careful
- There are 82 public and private at‑grade crossings along the Salkehatchie route; officials especially warn drivers at Country Club Road, Sandy Run Road, Old Salkehatchie Highway, Confederate Highway, Bells Highway, Lowcountry Highway, and Ruffin Road, which see heavy traffic or have limited visibility.
- Residents are reminded:
- Never walk, play, or stop on or near the tracks.
- Always obey signal lights, gates, and signs at crossings.
- Assume trains may be quieter or harder to see than expected.
For local travelers, the return of regular train traffic is both a sign of economic development and a reminder that rail‑crossing safety can’t be taken for granted—especially where crossings were quiet for years.
