On October 2, 2025, CSX Corporation announced the reopening of the Blue Ridge Subdivision, a 60‑mile freight corridor that had been severed by Hurricane Helene a year earlier. The line, which transports more than 14 million tons of freight annually, now resumes service, restoring a critical north‑south link between Tennessee and North Carolina.
The restoration effort included rebuilding the 530‑foot Poplar Bridge with a modern ballast‑deck design, salvaging and reusing four of the six original 95‑foot spans, and reconstructing the Devil’s Creek bridge that crosses the state line. Additional upgrades to retaining walls, drainage systems, and the Nolichucky Gorge infrastructure were completed to enhance safety and resilience against future weather events.
Steve Angel, President and CEO of CSX, said the reopening "is a significant moment for CSX, for the communities of Tennessee and North Carolina, and for everyone who has worked tirelessly over the past year to ensure freight rail is once again moving safely and reliably through the Nolichucky Gorge." The reopening strengthens CSX’s network resiliency, providing added capacity and flexibility to keep freight moving efficiently across the country.
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