Freight rail service returns to Asheville and western North Carolina for first time since hurricane Helene

ASHEVILLE, N.C., May 20, 2025 – For the first time since the September 2024 devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, freight rail service has returned for Asheville-area businesses, marking a major milestone in the region's recovery and economic growth.
 

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) has resumed customer freight rail service between Asheville, N.C. and points west along its AS Line, which connects Eastern Tennessee to Western North Carolina. The return to service is the result of six months of diligent work by the Thoroughbred team to repair and restore track infrastructure that was, in some locations, completely destroyed by hurricane-related flooding. In total, Engineering teams rebuilt 128 locations totaling over 13 miles of track between Newport, Tenn. and Asheville, utilized over 160,000 tons of aggregate materials and cleared over 2,000 trees. The restoration work, which has all been privately funded, reflects Norfolk Southern’s commitment to the economic recovery of the region.
 

Additionally, the company is committing to rebuilding the portion of the line that connects Old Fort to Grovestone, including the historic Old Fort Loops. The 16 miles of railroad was severely damaged by the hurricane and resulting floods. Until now, the company had been conducting an extended evaluation of line damage for restoration. The line rebuild is expected to be completed this winter.
 

“This is a day so many of us, both at Norfolk Southern and beyond, have been looking forward to, and I want to credit all of our NS teammates and our partners that played a role in getting this track back in service so quickly despite unprecedented damage,” said Norfolk Southern VP Engineering Ed Boyle. “We know firsthand how critical rail service is for local communities, and we’re proud to restore this vital link for businesses and mark this important step in the region’s economic recovery.”
 

“Restoring freight rail service to Asheville is a positive step towards getting western North Carolina back on its feet and reconnected economically,” said North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein. “This development will help businesses regain their livelihoods and strengthen our supply chain so that western North Carolina can build back stronger.”
 

Rail service restores vital transportation link

The restoration of service follows the replacement of the Pigeon River rail bridge in Newport, Tenn. in March. The bridge was destroyed after significant flooding in the wake of the hurricane, requiring a rapid bridge replacement that reestablished a critical link on the line.
 

“The return of freight rail service to the Asheville region is something so many have been looking forward to as we continue to recover from the impacts of the storm,” said Jason Orthner, NCDOT Rail Division director. “A critical component to a strong economy, freight rail is crucial to the growth and prosperity of many of the businesses that call this region home and NCDOT appreciates Norfolk Southern’s efforts to restore service to Western N.C.”
 

In addition to serving the businesses that rely on rail for transportation, rail service also benefits the community, reducing traffic congestion for drivers on local roads, lowering emissions and providing rewarding career opportunities.
 

"The reopening of rail service to Asheville is a crucial development for the local economy. It ensures that our businesses have access to the efficient and cost-effective transportation they need to thrive,” said North Carolina state Rep. Dudley Greene. “This not only strengthens our supply chain but also demonstrates the resilience of our community and the importance of rail in sustaining economic activity.”
 

Broader economic impact
Underwood & Weld Co., Inc. is one of several Western North Carolina businesses that rely on freight rail for sustainable, cost-effective transportation.

“We are thrilled to see freight rail service back in Asheville. Rail is a key part of how we move goods efficiently across the region,” said Underwood & Weld Operations Manager Kevin McKinney. “This is more than a return to normalcy, it’s a huge step in ensuring the resiliency of our business in the long term."
 

Other rail-serviced businesses in the region agreed.
 

“The restoration and return of freight rail service marks a major milestone for Asheville’s economic recovery, reestablishing a vital connection that supports local businesses,” echoed Ivan Stiehl, VP of Project Engineering at IPEX. “We applaud NS Rail and their dedicated teams for their swift repair work and are grateful to have this critical element of supply chain back and operational.”
 

The return of rail to the region also enables the restoration of service on 92 miles of short line railroad in the area. Watco’s Blue Ridge Southern Railroad, which has served businesses in the area for more than 10 years, feeds into Norfolk Southern’s AS Line and broader network from the south and southwest of Asheville, connecting through Norfolk Southern’s Asheville Yard.
 

“Our team has worked closely with Norfolk Southern to ensure that this transition happens as smoothly as possible,” said Kyle Ogle, General Manager. “This will not only help our local customers, but it will also enhance the region’s connectivity and economic competitiveness, and we’re thrilled to be able to welcome these businesses back."
 

Rail safety reminder

With the return of freight service for the first time in months, residents can expect to see rail traffic return to levels not seen since before the storm. Norfolk Southern wants to remind residents of the importance of staying alert around railroad tracks. Members of the public should cross train tracks only at designated crossings and never walk on tracks. Safety tips for drivers, pedestrians and others are available here.

About Norfolk Southern 
Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and its predecessor companies have safely moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a 22-state freight transportation network. Committed to furthering sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid approximately 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Its dedicated team members deliver approximately 7 million carloads annually, from agriculture to consumer goods. Norfolk Southern also has the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern U.S. It serves a majority of the country's population and manufacturing base, with connections to every major container port on the Atlantic coast as well as major ports across the Gulf Coast and Great Lakes. Learn more by visiting www.NorfolkSouthern.com. 
 

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