KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Recovery Underway Following Storm Helene’s Devastation
Hey there, friends! This past week has been quite a whirlwind for the folks around Knoxville and other regions impacted by the fierce Storm Helene. With towering winds and torrential rain, the storm didn’t just give us a shaking; it left significant damage in its wake, especially to the train tracks that serve as vital arteries for transportation and trade.
Train Tracks: The Heart of the Recovery Effort
Norfolk Southern, a major player in rail transportation, has stepped up to address the damage. Their operations in and out of Asheville took a massive hit, and they’ve reported that some tracks will be out of commission for at least another three months. Imagine what that means for local delivery and travel!
Over the frantic 72 hours following the storm, the dedicated Engineering team at Norfolk Southern tackled a monumental task. They worked hard to clear away over 15,000 trees, repaired numerous washouts, and fixed more than 50 slide fences that were damaged by the storm. In an impressive show of resilience, they also deployed over 400 generators to areas that were left without commercial power.
The AS Line: A Tough Road to Recovery
The AS Line, which stretches from Salisbury, N.C. to Morristown, had faced particularly tough conditions. It runs through the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains and often serves as a scenic route for many travelers. However, after assessing the damage, it appeared that this cherished line had not come off lightly.
The initial assessments revealed alarming numbers: an incredible 21,500 feet of track was washed out! Additionally, over 50,000 feet suffered from scour, and there were more than 15,000 feet of fill failures and landslides to deal with. Not to mention multiple bridges that had also sustained damage. Let’s just say that the cleanup effort is a lot like a big jigsaw puzzle — complex and requiring a lot of focus!
Progress Made, But More to Go
By October 9, there was some light at the end of the tunnel with sections of the line reopening between Salisbury and Old Fort, as well as between Newport and Morristown. However, the track between Asheville and Newport is still in the doghouse, and Norfolk Southern officials said they’re hoping to have it back in operation by late January 2025. While they’re at it, evaluations of the track between Asheville and Old Fort are still ongoing.
Norfolk Southern: Committed to the Community
Ed Boyle, Norfolk Southern’s Vice President of Engineering, shared an encouraging message regarding the company’s commitment. He expressed how crucial rail service is for connecting communities, emphasizing, “We know firsthand at Norfolk Southern the **critical role** rail plays in connecting communities. Our work is not finished, but our railroaders on the ground are the best in the business, and I want to thank them for their **dedication** and **hard work**.”
Indeed, it sounds like the path ahead is a long one, but with such a committed team helping to piece everything back together, there’s hope for a brighter and smoother ride for everyone!
Final Thoughts
As we navigate the aftermath of Storm Helene, it’s heartening to see the community rally together, showcasing resilience, determination, and a shared goal of prosperity and safety. With every tree cleared and every track repaired, we’re one step closer to returning to normalcy. We’re rooting for quick recovery efforts and safe travels for all in the coming months!
