CSX Re-Opens Blue Ridge Subdivision

Reconstruction of CSX’s former Clinchfield Railroad within the Nolichucky River Gorge. Photo courtesy CSX.

JACKSONVILLE –– Readers will remember the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in the southeastern United States nearly one year ago. One area of severe damage was CSX's former Clinchfield Railroad line, which has undergone a nearly year-long rebuild process. The line was opened for revenue traffic this past weekend.

A nice touch from the railroad was the use of CSX’s Clinchfield Railroad heritage locomotive, painted in the new scheme late last year, on the first revenue train since the line’s reconstruction.

CSX Clinchfield Railroad Heritage Locomotive. Photos courtesy of CSX.

Historical Perspective

RT&S Managing Editor Jennifer McLawhorn filed several reports covering the damage and reconstruction progress of the Blue Ridge Subdivision late last year and this year through the middle of August. You can read those stories via the links below. We provide a brief recap here.

According to the CSX website, “As a result of Hurricane Helene, approximately 60 miles of CSX railroad in Tennessee and North Carolina was severely affected by flooding and suffered extensive damage. This line handles approximately 14 million gross tons of freight annually and is critical to supporting families and serving businesses throughout the southeast region of the United States.

“CSX fully recognizes the importance of the Nolichucky River and is continuing its collaboration with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, USDA Forest Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife, other state and federal agencies, as well as the community to ensure the rail infrastructure is recovered and restored in the safest and most environmentally responsible way. 

“CSX has been working closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Nashville and Wilmington districts), the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and the North Carolina Division of Water Resources (NC DWR). Permits have been issued for activities in North Carolina and Tennessee.”

Previous CSX railroad approaching the TN/NC State Line Bridge. Photo courtesy CSX.

Reconstruction efforts of the CSX rail and bridge at Poplar Boat ramp. Photo courtesy CSX.

Further Reading & Videos

CSX Installs Track Panels Along Blue Ridge Subdivision (UPDATED 8/18)

WATCH: CSX’s Efforts in Blue Ridge Subdivision Restoration

CSX’s Blue Ridge Subdivision Recovery is Underway

CSX Makes Progress on Blue Ridge Recovery Project Using Work Trains

WATCH: CSX Reconstructs Poplar Bridge in North Carolina

Storm Helene Impacts on Infrastructure: CSX, Norfolk Southern (UPDATED 10/3)