Railroad Recovery Efforts Begin After Storm in Western North Carolina
Asheville, NC – It’s been a rough few months for Western North Carolina, but now, those towns that once thrummed with the sound of freight trains are getting back on the track – literally! After the recent storm, Helene, wreaked havoc, the rail lines in this beautiful region have faced significant damage, but a beam of hope is beginning to shine through.
A Quiet Rumble Turns Into Silence
Before Helene made its dramatic entrance on September 27, trains wove through the mountains, transporting loads of lumber, equipment, and supplies essential for local businesses. But after the storm, the clanging and whistling of the locomotives turned into an eerie silence as around 230 miles of railroad ceased operations. The catastrophe left vital tracks owned by the region’s two long-distance carriers, CSX and Norfolk Southern, in shambles.
The picturesque railroads that meander along rivers like the Swannanoa and the North Toe are now ghostly remnants, washed away in the catastrophic flooding. In places like Spruce Pine and the Nolichucky River, the damage is particularly pronounced, with entire sections of the CSX Blue Ridge Subdivision completely gone. As Jason Orthner, director of the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Rail Division, noted, “Because it is such a narrow gorge, it washed out the railroad ties.”
Reconstruction Challenges Ahead
The task of restoring the rails is not just straightforward repairs. It will take many months, possibly even years, to get everything back to normal. The CSX Blue Ridge Subdivision is a crucial link between the Southeast and the Midwest, and with it out of commission, local businesses are feeling the pinch. Fortunately, some limited service has been restored from Spruce Pine towards Charlotte and South Carolina, helping companies like the Quartz Corp. and Baxter Healthcare get back on their feet.
Norfolk Southern, on the other hand, is still working on getting its AS Line operational. The line that runs from Old Fort through Asheville to Newport is facing over 16 miles of washed-out or damaged tracks, and the railroad company is hopeful it can reopen some sections by the end of March.
Companies Adjusting to Changes
With so many rail services halted, companies are being forced to make adjustments. Unfortunately, trucking is much pricier than rail transport. Patrick Pierce from North Carolina Railroad Co. explains that it takes about three to four trucks to equal the capacity of one rail car, which can lead to big costs for businesses, especially during long outages.
Support to Get Back on Track
In response to the situation, the North Carolina Railroad has introduced a $10 million grant fund to support rail-dependent businesses in the region. This fund aims to aid with infrastructure repairs and help retain workers in rail-related industries. Trish Haver, the COO of North Carolina Railroad, mentioned they are stepping in to cover salaries for employees whose jobs depend on rail, ensuring businesses can “resume as normal” when the trains start rolling again.
Environmental Concerns Arise
While the rebuilding is essential, it’s also important for it to be done responsibly. Some environmental groups are raising alarms over potential damage from CSX’s reconstruction efforts, particularly along the Nolichucky River. Lawsuits have been filed urging for more oversight to protect the natural landscape while the railway company gets back to work on the tracks.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has stepped in, placing a temporary hold on any work requiring a permit, telling CSX they need to tread carefully to mitigate future flood risks while rebuilding.
A Bright Future Ahead
Even with these hurdles, the focus remains on collaboration and hope. As the towns begin to heal and reconstruction begins, it’s clear that the spirit of Western North Carolina remains strong.
Local businesses and communities are coming together, adjusting to the current challenges while keeping an eye on the horizon for the return of the beloved freight trains that symbolize both continuity and progress. As residents and workers wait, there’s a growing sense of optimism that soon, they’ll once again hear that familiar sound of trains echoing through the mountains!
