WATCH: CSX Reconstructs Poplar Bridge in North Carolina
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
Reconstructed Poplar Bridge
Courtesy of CSX via screenshot
AVERY COUNTY, N.C. - CSX releases a time lapse video of the Poplar Bridge reconstruction from this year.
CSX announced via social media that it has rebuilt the Poplar Bridge that crosses over the Nolichucky River in North Carolina. Since February 24, 2025, crews have been operating in the river to remove rail, ties, and other equipment. RT&S reported that at the time, the river was “unsafe to traverse.” Crews were 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.”
In June 2025, CSX had placed seven spans, and the bridge was “ready for track to be laid.” CSX assistant chief engineer of bridges Jacob Metcalf said, “The new Poplar Bridge features a ballast deck, which improves under-clearance and enhances its survivability in future severe weather. . . This structure is built to be stronger and more resilient.”
The video below shows the Poplar Bridge reconstruction over a period of six months.
