PARKERSBURG — An Ohio company is preparing to take over the CSX Transportation rail line between Parkersburg and Marietta.

Local CSX Transportation employees were notified this week of a planned transaction with Belpre Industrial Parkersburg Railroad “that would enable the BIPR to operate CSXT’s Marietta Subdivision in West Virginia,” according to a statement from CSX’s Media Team.

“This decision is based on CSXT’s broader initiative to enhance the efficiency of our core network and our confidence in BIPR’s ability to safely provide continuity of service for the many valued customers on these lines,” the statement says.

A notice seeking approval of the transaction is expected to be filed with the federal Surface Transportation Board in March.

The transaction includes the 39-mile Marietta Subdivision line, the 5.29-mile Parkersburg Running Track between Belpre and Parkersburg and the Parkersburg High Yard on Depot Street, according to an article about the transaction published on the website for Trains Magazine, a publication covering the railroad industry.

A copy of a letter to CSX employees, which was referenced in the Trains article, was obtained by the Parkersburg News and Sentinel. It says BIPR “expects to have employment opportunities in Parkersburg,” then lists eight positions.

The CSX statement did not specify how many people the company employs in the area.

According to documentation filed with the West Virginia Secretary of State’s office, BIPR shares an address with Bucyrus Railcar Repair in Bucyrus, Ohio.

The repair company is part of Cathcart Rail, described on its website as “a diversified freight rail services and transportation company.”

Former Southeastern Ohio Port Authority Director Andy Kuhn said he’s been in contact with Cathcart and the company plans to reach out to entities that might be interested in utilizing its services and the acreage around the line.

“The fact that this gentleman went out of his way to contact me is a strong sign of improved relations,” Kuhn said.

Messages left for Cathcart Rail had not been returned as of Friday afternoon.

CSX announced in June 2018 that it was seeking bids on six rail segments around the country, including the Marietta Subdivision.

Evan Bevins can be reached at ebevins@newsandsentinel.com.