The US Justice Department sues Norfolk Southern for violating federal law, causing Amtrak delays by prioritizing freight trains.

The US Justice Department has sued Norfolk Southern, claiming the railroad causes persistent delays for Amtrak passenger trains between New York and New Orleans by making them wait for its freight trains. The lawsuit alleges that Norfolk Southern violates federal law requiring Amtrak trains to have priority when crossing its tracks. In 2021, only 24% of Amtrak's southbound trains on Norfolk Southern's network reached their destinations on time, leading to significant delays for passengers.