News photo: NS train reaches Asheville, N.C.

Train of hopper cars crossing concrete bridge across river

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The continuing work to restore service on Norfolk Southern’s line into Asheville reached a milestone on Tuesday (April 8) as an NS ballast train became the first train to reach Asheville since it was closed Sept. 27, 2024, by Hurricane Helene. More than 21,500 feet of track was washed out, and another […]

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CSX updates storm issues in Southeast

Yellow CSX letters with web address on side of locomotive

New issues continue to develop while other problem areas are improving, CSX Transportation said in an update today (April 7, 2025) on storm recovery efforts. Also, BNSF has provided an update on one of two weather-related derailments that closed the Thayer South Subdivision in Arkansas. CSX had highlighted three areas as especially problematic in a […]

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Fast-freight engines

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Norfolk & Western’s top fast-freight engines were 43 class A simple articulated 2-6-6-4s. No. 1239, built in 1949 as part of the final A order, couples to time freight 84 at Roanoke. Sister 1218 would rise to fame in the 1980s under successor Norfolk Southern’s steam program. W. A. Akin Jr. photo […]

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Storms impact CSX, Norfolk Southern service

CSX logo

Both CSX and Norfolk Southern are reporting operational impacts from the severe weather that has hit the Ohio Valley and the South since Friday. CSX, in a customer advisory issued today (Sunday, April 6), says it has implemented “network-wide measures” to address the weather situation. Its South West Region has been most affected, with the […]

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Amtrak weather cancellations continue (updated)

Passenger train on curve

CHICAGO — Amtrak weather cancellations are continuing today (Sunday, April 6) as the center of the country continues to deal with a storm system leaving widespread flooding and other damage. According to the Amtrak Alerts social media feed, The City of New Orleans, which had been cancelled outright on Friday and Saturday, today will not […]

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Brightline introduces new rewards program

Yellow and white streamlined locomotive at station

MIAMI — Brightline has launched a program to reward frequent riders, offering points that can be redeemed for tickets and other items. The company said the program, announced today (April 4, 2025), will provide incentives for Florida residents, who make up 66% of riders, and repeat customers, who are 72% of the ridership, as well […]

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N&W No. 1218 gains state, national historic recognition

Articulated steam locomotive rounds curve with passenger excursion train

ROANOKE, Va. — Norfolk & Western Class A locomotive No. 1218, the 2-6-6-4 built by the railroad’s East End Shops in Roanoke in 1943, will be added to the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated as a Virginia Historic Landmark. The locomotive, retired in 1959 and restored for excursion service between 1987 […]

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Norfolk Southern adds to certified rail-served industrial sites

Norfolk Southern logo

ATLANTA — Norfolk Southern continues to expand its industrial site development with the recent certification of nine additional rail-served properties in seven states through the Redi Sites program. This brings the total number of NS Redi-certified sites to 12, showcasing the company’s commitment to providing prime locations for businesses seeking rail-integrated solutions. The Redi Sites […]

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Diesel lineup at New Orleans

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Illinois Central, Texas & Pacific, and Kansas City Southern E units plus (barely visible) Louisville & Nashville and Southern Pacific F units) idle in the engine terminal outside New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal in 1954, when the facility was new. James G. La Vake photo […]

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