Freight rail operations have resumed on Norfolk Southern’s AS Line between Asheville, North Carolina, and points west toward Tennessee, eight months after service was disrupted due to Hurricane Helene.
Rail link reopened after flood damage repairs
The reactivation of the line follows extensive repair work between Newport, Tennessee, and Asheville. According to the operator, engineering teams addressed 128 sites over a stretch of more than 13 miles. The repair works included the use of over 160,000 tons of aggregate and the removal of over 2,000 fallen trees. The infrastructure had been severely damaged, with some sections completely destroyed by floodwaters associated with the hurricane.
A new bridge over the Pigeon River near Newport was completed in March, reinstating a critical structural component on the route. The entire restoration process, carried out over six months, was funded privately.
Old fort section scheduled for rebuild
Norfolk Southern has also confirmed plans to rebuild a 16-mile section of track between Old Fort and Grovestone. This includes the Old Fort Loops, a historically complex segment of the route. This portion of the line has remained out of use since the storm due to the extent of damage. Restoration is expected to conclude by winter 2025.
The reopening of the mainline supports not only long-haul freight traffic but also reconnects the regional Watco-operated Blue Ridge Southern Railroad. The 92-mile short line serves customers south and southwest of Asheville, linking into Norfolk Southern’s Asheville Yard. The restored connection is expected to re-establish interchange flows between the two operators.
Local rail-served businesses reconnected
Several manufacturers and logistics companies in Western North Carolina that rely on freight rail have regained access to rail transport following the restoration. According to operators in the area, the return of rail service provides a cost-effective alternative to road transport and supports the supply chain continuity for various industries in the region.
Safety notice with service resumption
With rail traffic returning to pre-storm levels, Norfolk Southern has issued a public reminder on safety around rail lines. Residents are advised to cross tracks only at designated locations and to remain alert around train activity.
Timeline summary
- September 2024: Freight service disrupted by Hurricane Helene
- March 2025: Pigeon River bridge replacement completed
- May 2025: AS Line reopened between Asheville and Newport
- Winter 2025 (planned): Completion of Old Fort to Grovestone segment
The current developments restore a freight corridor linking Eastern Tennessee with Western North Carolina, reintroducing rail transport options that had been unavailable since the natural disaster.
