Living shoreline restoration reaches new milestone along the Elizabeth River

Aug 17, 2026

Norfolk Southern has completed the final phase of its Living Shoreline restoration project at Lamberts Point, a nature-based effort along the Elizabeth River that transformed nearly nine acres and 1,500 feet of eroded shoreline. Using native vegetation, oyster habitat, and other natural features, the project improves water quality, restores wildlife habitat, and helps protect critical rail infrastructure.

Developed in partnership with the Elizabeth River Project, the award-winning restoration replaces traditional stone barriers with a living shoreline that works with nature to stabilize the coast, strengthen the surrounding ecosystem, and improve the health of the river.

Why it matters: Coastal erosion threatens shorelines and waterways across the country. The Living Shoreline demonstrates how working with nature can restore vulnerable coastlines while creating lasting environmental and community benefits.

Building a more resilient shoreline

The Living Shoreline builds on a more than 30-year partnership between Norfolk Southern and the Elizabeth River Project. The final restoration phase, completed in May, included planting 173 trees, 192 shrubs, and native marsh grasses across the site. An ongoing oyster gardening initiative also raises and places approximately 6,000 young oysters each year on offshore reef structures to enhance the habitat and improve water quality.

In addition, the project recently marked one year since its first nutrient credit release, which has supported more than 140 credit transactions. Earned by voluntarily reducing nutrients entering the river, the credits help local industries and municipalities meet their environmental obligations while demonstrating how environmental restoration can create lasting economic value.

The completed Living Shoreline at Lamberts Point reflects years of restoration efforts along the Elizabeth River, helping protect critical infrastructure and surrounding ecosystems.

The completed Living Shoreline at Lamberts Point reflects years of restoration efforts along the Elizabeth River, helping protect critical infrastructure and surrounding ecosystems.

The completed Living Shoreline at Lamberts Point reflects years of restoration efforts along the Elizabeth River, helping protect critical infrastructure and surrounding ecosystems.

What they're saying

“Norfolk Southern's Living Shoreline is a remarkable example of how environmental restoration and industrial operations can work hand in hand. It demonstrates that investing in our natural resources not only benefits the river and surrounding wildlife but also makes strong business sense. Over the years, I've seen firsthand the impact that committed partners can have on the health of this watershed, and Norfolk Southern's leadership continues to set an example for others to follow.” – Pam Boatwright, Deputy Director & River Star Businesses Manager, Elizabeth River Project

What we're saying

"The Living Shoreline at Lamberts Point shows what's possible when organizations come together around a shared commitment to protecting our communities and natural resources. Together with the Elizabeth River Project, we're protecting critical infrastructure, improving the health of the river, and creating lasting environmental and economic benefits for years to come." — Josh Raglin, Chief Sustainability Officer, Norfolk Southern

The power of partnership

The Living Shoreline serves as a model for how businesses, nonprofit organizations, and local stakeholders can work together to address local environmental challenges. By combining Norfolk Southern’s resources and long-term presence in the region with the Elizabeth River Project’s expertise, the partnership delivered a solution tailored to the unique needs of the Elizabeth River and the surrounding community. The project demonstrates how long-term collaboration can turn shared priorities into practical, sustainable solutions.

Learn more about NS’ sustainability commitment in the 2026 Forging a Better Tomorrow report.