Shortline holding company Watco is seeking regulatory approval to acquire 43.6 miles of track from Norfolk Southern in Alabama between Maplesville and Autauga Creek, and 10.1 miles of track between Autauga Creek and Montgomery for creation of a new shortline railroad.

The new shortline would be named Autauga Northern Railroad.

Watco currently controls 22 shortline railroads in 18 states.