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Norfolk Southern Reopens Freight Rail Service in Asheville

Freight train traveling through Asheville, NC

News Summary

Norfolk Southern has resumed freight rail service between Asheville, NC, and east Tennessee, following extensive repairs after Hurricane Helene. The reopening of over 13 miles of track aids local businesses and marks a crucial step in the region’s economic recovery. Although the freight services are back online, further repair work continues on additional tracks serving Asheville. Governor Josh Stein praised the reopening as a significant milestone for economic reconnection, emphasizing its importance for logistics and trade in the area.

Asheville, North Carolina – Norfolk Southern has officially reopened its freight rail service connecting Asheville, NC, to east Tennessee, marking a significant recovery step for the region following the extensive damage inflicted by Hurricane Helene in September 2024. The freight line had been out of service due to the hurricane’s destruction, which disrupted logistics and transportation for local businesses.

The reconstruction efforts involved replacing or rebuilding over 13 miles of track between Asheville and Newport, Tennessee. In total, more than 160,000 tons of materials were utilized in the rebuild process. The company also undertook significant clearing operations, with over 2,000 trees removed to facilitate the repairs. The Pigeon River trail bridge was among the critical infrastructure projects completed, as it had been destroyed by flooding in the storm.

While freight services have resumed, work continues on track connections that link Asheville to other parts of North Carolina. Norfolk Southern has shifted its focus to repairing the 16 miles of damaged tracks east of Asheville between Black Mountain and Old Fort, an area severely impacted by landslides and washouts caused by the hurricane. The company anticipates that the line will be operational again by winter 2025.

The first freight train on the newly rebuilt section arrived in Asheville from the west on April 25, signaling the return of vital rail services within the region. This reopening is viewed as a crucial element in the economic recovery for Asheville and surrounding areas, enabling businesses to regain their livelihoods and enhance logistical operations.

Governor Josh Stein noted that the reopening of the rail service represents a significant milestone for the region as it begins to reconnect economically. Local businesses, such as Underwood & Weld Co., a trucking company that relies on efficient freight transport, have expressed satisfaction with the resumption of rail services, underscoring its importance for moving goods in and out of Asheville.

In addition to Norfolk Southern, CSX, another railroad service affected by Hurricane Helene, is currently working to rebuild approximately 40 miles of damaged track. The ongoing repair efforts highlight the extensive impact the storm had on the regional transportation infrastructure.

As the freight rail service resumes, officials have reminded residents to remain cautious and alert around railway tracks to ensure safety during this period of transition. The restoration of these services is a crucial step towards ensuring the resilience and continued growth of the Asheville area in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.