April 04, 2025
Class 1

CSX’s Blue Ridge Subdivision Recovery is Underway

Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor

CSX Poplar Boar Ramp damaged after Hurricane Helene.

Courtesy of CSX

AVERY COUNTY, N.C. - CSX states work is currently underway on the Blue Ridge Subdivision Recovery with crews pulling track materials out of the Nolichucky River.

On X (formerly Twitter), CSX announced the work was underway and that those interested in following the work can sign up for updates on the recovery process. According to the Class I, this is part of its recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene in the fall of 2024. Around 60 miles of the railroad between Tennessee and North Carolina suffered damage. Since February 24, 2025, crews have been operating in the river to remove rail, ties, and other equipment. CSX also stated that during this time, the river is “unsafe to traverse.”

It is working with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, USDA Forest Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife, and other agencies to ensure a smooth recovery of the area. Below is a map, courtesy of CSX, that shows the impacted area.

Crews are working to recover materials from the river in multiple phases. These include “damage assessment, recovery of track materials, site access, railbed construction, track reconstruction, track repairs, and final inspections, which all supports the return of freight rail service to this corridor.” However, with the railbed washed away, CSX had to rebuild the railbed on either side of the gorge’s eight-mile area in order “to close the gap between the two sides of the project.” Below is a video showing the rail reconstruction.

Three bridges in the area require major work. Locates out of Chestoa, the first bridge “sustained damage to the embankment,” but the bridge itself did not suffer significant damage. CSX states the second bridge that requires major reconstructive work is a 60-foot span between the Tennessee and North Carolina state lines. This bridge was prefabricated and reconstructed at its Bridge Shop in West Virginia before being placed onsite. The third bridge was a 520-foot bridge that was completely washed out. While the original bridge had six spans, the reconstructed bridge will have seven. A new bridge pier will be built to accommodate this seventh span. More detailed information on sections of reconstruction and subsequent timelines can be found at the link here.