Asheville – Freight rail service returned to Asheville for the first time since Hurricane Helene caused significant damage in September 2024, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s recovery efforts. On May 20, 2025, Norfolk Southern Corporation announced the resumption of freight rail service along its AS Line, which connects Eastern Tennessee to Western North Carolina. This restoration is expected to bolster local businesses and enhance economic growth in the area.
Restoration Efforts and Community Impact
The return of service followed six months of extensive repair work by Norfolk Southern’s engineering teams, who rebuilt 128 locations and restored over 13 miles of track. The project involved utilizing more than 160,000 tons of aggregate materials and clearing over 2,000 trees that had fallen during the hurricane. “This is a day so many of us, both at Norfolk Southern and beyond, have been looking forward to,” said Ed Boyle, Norfolk Southern’s Vice President of Engineering. He emphasized the importance of rail service for local communities, stating, “We’re proud to restore this vital link for businesses and mark this important step in the region’s economic recovery.”
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein echoed this sentiment, noting that restoring freight rail service was a significant step towards economic revitalization. “This development will help businesses regain their livelihoods and strengthen our supply chain so that western North Carolina can build back stronger,” he remarked.
The restoration also included the replacement of the Pigeon River rail bridge in Newport, Tennessee, which was destroyed by flooding. This critical infrastructure was completed in March 2025, allowing for the reestablishment of a vital transportation link.
Support from Local Businesses
Local businesses expressed their enthusiasm for the return of freight rail service. Kevin McKinney, Operations Manager at Underwood & Weld Co., Inc., stated, “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.” He added that this development was not just a return to normalcy but a significant step toward ensuring long-term business resilience.
Ivan Stiehl, Vice President of Project Engineering at IPEX, also praised the restoration efforts. “The restoration and return of freight rail service marks a major milestone for Asheville’s economic recovery,” he said. “We applaud NS Rail and their dedicated teams for their swift repair work.”
The return of rail service also facilitates operations on 92 miles of short line railroad in the area. Kyle Ogle, General Manager of Watco’s Blue Ridge Southern Railroad, highlighted the collaborative efforts with Norfolk Southern to ensure a smooth transition. “This will not only help our local customers but will also enhance the region’s connectivity and economic competitiveness,” he noted.
As rail traffic resumes to pre-storm levels, Norfolk Southern reminded residents to stay vigilant around railroad tracks. The company urged the public to cross train tracks only at designated crossings and avoid walking on tracks.
Norfolk Southern has a long history of supporting economic growth through its extensive freight transportation network, which spans 22 states. The company is committed to sustainability and helps its customers avoid approximately 15 million tons of carbon emissions annually by shipping via rail.
The restoration of freight rail service in Asheville represents a significant step forward in the region’s recovery from Hurricane Helene, providing essential support for local businesses and enhancing overall economic stability.