Norfolk Southern Corporation has resumed freight rail operations between Asheville, North Carolina, and points west for the first time since Hurricane Helene caused severe infrastructure damage in September 2024. The restored service reestablishes a critical economic link for businesses across Western North Carolina.
Over the past six months, Norfolk Southern engineering teams privately funded and executed repairs across 128 locations, rebuilding over 13 miles of damaged track between Newport, Tennessee, and Asheville. This effort required more than 160,000 tons of aggregate and the removal of over 2,000 fallen trees. The restoration also included replacement of the Pigeon River rail bridge in Newport, which was completed in March 2025.
The company has also committed to rebuilding the Old Fort to Grovestone section of its AS Line, including the historic Old Fort Loops. That 16-mile segment, heavily damaged by floodwaters, is expected to be fully restored by winter 2025.
The reopening of the line supports regional supply chains, lowers highway congestion, reduces emissions, and strengthens economic resilience. It also enables resumption of operations on 92 miles of connecting short line track operated by Watco’s Blue Ridge Southern Railroad, further expanding freight capacity in the region.