Freight rail returns to Old Fort, a milestone in WNC’s recovery

For the first time since Hurricane Helene disrupted service in 2024, Norfolk Southern trains have returned to the portion of the company’s AS Line that runs from Old Fort to Swannanoa, including the historic Old Fort Loops, in Western North Carolina. The return of train traffic marks a meaningful moment for communities that continue to recover from the lasting effects of Hurricane Helene. Hundreds of residents and rail enthusiasts came out to celebrate the first train to run on the track, hosting watch parties along the route and waving to the NS team members on board.

Why it matters

• Community milestone: The return of train service signals progress and a sense of normalcy for residents across Western North Carolina.
• Economic impact: Reopening the line restores a critical connection for local businesses relying on freight rail.
• Scale of effort: The work reflects the complexity of rebuilding infrastructure in one of the most challenging rail corridors in the region.
• Long-term strength: Repairs were designed to improve resilience and reliability for the future.

A long-awaited return

On April 18, the first train traveled through the Old Fort section of the AS Line, reopening the final segment impacted by Hurricane Helene.

For many in the area, seeing the first train run on the restored track represented a return to normalcy post-storm. To mark the occasion, NS staff joined the community for a celebration at Old Fort’s historic train depot, handing out NS-themed giveaways, along with safety reminders for community members now that train traffic has resumed.

“It’s been a pleasure seeing the train come back,” said Gail Turner, a lifelong resident of Old Fort. “That was a lifeline for me growing up, seeing the train roll through the center of town.”

What it took to get here

Restoring this final 15-mile segment required a sustained, coordinated effort across NS teams and partners.

• 103 repair sites were identified following storm damage.
• More than 51,500 linear feet of steel piles were installed to stabilize the corridor.
• Approximately 140,000 tons of aggregate were used to rebuild embankments and drainage systems.

Crews worked through steep terrain, tight curves and areas that were initially difficult to access, using tools like drones to assess damage and guide repairs.