News Summary
Norfolk Southern has resumed rail service between Asheville and points west after repairs from Hurricane Helene’s damage. The restoration of the AS Line is crucial for economic recovery in Western North Carolina, allowing for improved regional connectivity and supporting local businesses. The efforts involved extensive rebuilding of tracks and a new bridge over the Pigeon River. Norfolk Southern will focus on further rebuilding projects to enhance the rail infrastructure in the area.
Asheville, N.C. – Norfolk Southern (NS) has resumed rail service between Asheville and points west for the first time since Hurricane Helene caused significant damage in September. The restoration of the AS Line marks a critical milestone in the economic recovery efforts in Western North Carolina.
The AS Line suffered extensive damage as a result of hurricane-related flooding, including the washout of over four miles of track and damage to an additional 12 miles. In response, NS engineering teams mobilized to rebuild 128 locations and restore over 13 miles of track between Newport, Tennessee, and Asheville. This robust rebuilding effort utilized more than 160,000 tons of aggregate materials and involved clearing over 2,000 trees from the affected areas.
The reopening of the line on April 25 is expected to significantly enhance regional connectivity and improve economic competitiveness. The restoration allows Watco’s Blue Ridge Southern Railroad to resume its operations, a development welcomed by local businesses and community leaders as vital for the local economy.
In addition to repairing the track, a new 300-foot bridge was constructed over the Pigeon River in Newport after the previous bridge was severely damaged during the storm. The completion of this bridge is a crucial part of ensuring safe and reliable rail service for freight transport.
Looking ahead, Norfolk Southern’s next focus will be the rebuilding of the section between Old Fort and Grovestone, North Carolina, which includes the historic Old Fort Loops. This section is expected to be completed by winter, further enhancing the rail infrastructure in the region.
The restoration of service to Asheville is particularly critical for moving bulk materials such as grain, stones, and chemicals, providing essential support to industries that rely heavily on rail for transportation. Underwood & Weld, a dry bulk trucking company, expressed optimism about the return of rail service, emphasizing its importance for efficient goods movement.
The damage from Hurricane Helene had not only affected Norfolk Southern but also impacted CSX, another major railroad company, which is also in the process of rebuilding its lines in Western North Carolina. While some sections of the CSX lines have been partially restored, the comprehensive recovery efforts from the hurricane are ongoing across the entire rail network in the area.
The reconstruction endeavors faced numerous challenges, including difficult terrain and the need for utility restorations that complicated the rebuilding process. However, the successful reopening of the AS Line is a testament to the resilience of rail service providers in overcoming these hurdles.
In summary, the resumption of rail service in Asheville not only marks a restoration of vital transportation links but also represents a significant step toward revitalizing the economic landscape of Western North Carolina following the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene. With ongoing efforts to rebuild other affected areas, the railroads are poised to play an essential role in the region’s recovery and growth.
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Additional Resources
- News & Observer
- Railway Age
- Progressive Railroading
- TribPapers
- RT&S
- Wikipedia: Norfolk Southern Railway
- Google Search: Asheville rail service
- Google Scholar: Norfolk Southern Asheville
- Google News: Asheville railroad news
