News Summary
Norfolk Southern Railway has resumed freight-rail service to Asheville and points west, marking a key milestone in recovery from Hurricane Helene. After six months of repairs, teams have rebuilt critical infrastructure, repaired extensive damages and the restoration effort remains ongoing. This freight service is vital for local industries and community revitalization, as stakeholders monitor restoration efforts as indicators of resilience and economic recovery.
Asheville Restores Freight Rail Service Following Hurricane Helene
Asheville, North Carolina – Norfolk Southern Railway has officially resumed freight-rail service to customers between Asheville and points west, marking a significant milestone in the recovery effort from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024. This restoration of service is the first since the hurricane inflicted substantial damage to the rail infrastructure.
After six months dedicated to repair and restoration, Norfolk Southern (NS) teams have successfully rebuilt critical segments of the railway. The work encompassed repairing 128 locations and restoring over 13 miles of track on the AS Line, which runs between Newport, Tennessee, and Asheville. The construction project involved the application of more than 160,000 tons of aggregate materials, a pivotal component in ensuring the stability and longevity of the tracks.
The extensive restoration also required that over 2,000 trees be cleared, showcasing both the physical challenges posed by the hurricane and the company’s commitment to restoring vital transportation links. While the freight service is now operational again, there are ongoing efforts to rebuild additional sections of the rail line. Notably, the section connecting Old Fort to Grovestone, which includes the historic Old Fort Loops, also suffered severe damage and is currently under evaluation.
Potential Completion Timeline
The rebuild of the Old Fort section is expected to be completed by winter 2025, indicating that efforts to restore the full functionality of the railway are progressing steadily. The recent resumption of services followed the successful replacement of the Pigeon River rail bridge in Newport, Tennessee, which was critically important to the rail line and destroyed by floodwaters during the hurricane.
The Pigeon River bridge’s replacement in March 2025 was essential for re-establishing freight transport, reinforcing the connection between communities and industries that rely on rail services for economic activities. The restoration of these services is anticipated to play an integral role in the broader regional economic recovery, as highlighted by Norfolk Southern’s ongoing commitment to improving railway infrastructure.
Community Impact and Economic Recovery
Freight rail services are vital for the transportation of goods and resources, particularly in a community like Asheville where local industries depend on reliable logistics. The restoration of these services not only facilitates the flow of products but also supports local employment and commerce. Norfolk Southern has underscored the role of rail networks in the prosperity of the areas they serve, emphasizing that the restoration efforts are crucial for community rebuilding.
Background on Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene struck in September 2024, causing extensive flooding and destruction, which led to the interruption of freight rail services. The aftermath of the hurricane laid bare the vulnerabilities in the transportation infrastructure, necessitating extensive repair and restoration work. The rail line’s significance comes not just from its utility but also from its historical importance to the region’s connection to other major transportation networks.
The recovery from Hurricane Helene has highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts to restore essential services in the wake of natural disasters. Stakeholders are watching the ongoing restoration of the rail lines as a critical indicator of the region’s resilience and readiness to bounce back from the challenges posed by severe weather events.
In conclusion, the resumption of freight rail service by Norfolk Southern between Asheville and western points is a significant achievement in the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene. With infrastructure repairs ongoing and a commitment to future improvements, the railway is poised to support the revitalization of local economies in the affected regions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WLOS
- News Observer
- AJC
- Trains
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene
- Google Search: Asheville rail service Hurricane Helene
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
