CSXT to re-open flood-damaged Memphis-Nashville Line
Written by jrood
Working ahead of schedule, on May 25 CSX Transportation plans to re-open its Memphis-Nashville line that was heavily damaged by severe flooding earlier this month, company officials said.
Operations were scheduled
to resume at 6 p.m. EDT over the entire length of the approximately 200-mile
line in western Tennessee, including two bridges spanning the Harpeth River
that were heavily damaged. However, additional work is planned each day from 7
a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT. Trains will operate over the line from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Some train re-routes over
other rail carriers will continue for several days until all work is complete.
"This is a terrific
accomplishment by the CSXT team," said David Brown, executive vice president
and chief operating officer. "Despite the fact that many of our employees
were directly affected by this tragic flooding, they brought an extraordinary
focus to re-opening the line and resuming service to our customers and the
communities in that stricken area."
Earlier estimates had
called for resuming service in mid-June, but work progressed more quickly due
to the employees’ efforts, Brown said.
CSXT also announced that it
intends to pre-pay property taxes for tax year 2010 due in early 2011 to
affected Tennessee counties to assist recovery efforts. Almost $2.7 million
will be paid early to 23 counties, including $1 million to Davidson County, in
which the City of Nashville is located.
