Exhibit 99


                FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                July 13, 1999


 NORFOLK SOUTHERN SECOND QUARTER EPS
 WILL FALL BELOW ANALYSTS' CONSENSUS

 NORFOLK, VA -- Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) today announced
 that its earnings per share for the second quarter of 1999 likely will be
 in the range of 18 cents to 22 cents.

      This reflects pressures on revenues and higher-than-anticipated
 expenses related to the integration of the Conrail properties being
 operated by Norfolk Southern's railroad subsidiary. As previously
 disclosed, the higher expenses include labor costs, equipment rents and
 service alteration costs to meet the immediate needs of shippers.

      Norfolk Southern does not forecast earnings or other results, and this
 announcement does not signal a change in its policy. Norfolk Southern will
 report earnings and other results at its regular meeting with analysts in
 New York City on July 28.

      "The Corporation's preliminary calculation of its second-quarter
 earnings was completed earlier today. Because of the exceptionally wide
 variance between the consensus estimates and our preliminary calculation,
 we believe it is in the best interests of the broad constituencies
 interested in the Conrail transaction to make this information available
 now," said Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer David R. Goode.

      "While we are encouraged by improvements in our service to customers
 and in  our railway operations, integration-related pressures on railway
 operating revenues and higher operating expenses are likely to continue at
 least through the third quarter," Goode added. "As we have repeatedly said,
 we will do what is required to realize the benefits of this transaction for
 our customers and our stockholders.

                                 -- MORE --

      "We regard these integration expenses as investments in the service
 opportunities and long-term operating advantages of our expanded rail
 network," Goode said.

      Statements contained in this news release which are not related to
 historical facts are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in
 the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements
 are subject to risks and uncertainties (contained in the Corporation's SEC
 filings) which could cause actual results to differ.

      Norfolk Southern Corporation, a Virginia-based holding company with
 headquarters in Norfolk, owns a major freight railroad, Norfolk Southern
 Railway Company, which operates approximately 21,600 miles of road in 22
 states, the District of Columbia and the Province of Ontario.

                               # # #


 Media Contact: Bob Fort, Norfolk, 757-629-2710
 Investor Contact: Chris Neikirk, Norfolk, 757-629-2861
 NS World Wide Web Site: www.nscorp.com