ATLANTA – Heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Chantal has washed out Norfolk Southern’s main line between Raleigh and Greensboro, N.C., in multiple locations.
NS shut down the line early on July 6 due to flash flooding, the railroad said in a service advisory today. “Access to the area has been hindered by the closure of Interstate 40 in both directions at Mebane, NC, along with several local road closures,” the railroad said.
The NS CF Branch Line out of Greensboro also was shut down by washouts.
The railroad hopes to reopen both lines by noon on Wednesday, July 9.
“Customers with shipments moving through the affected areas may experience delays of 48 to 72 hours,” NS said. “We understand the importance of your shipments and are working diligently to minimize disruptions. Note that routes to/from the Charlotte & Greensboro intermodal facilities remain operational; both facilities are operating under normal conditions.”
Tropical Storm Chantal made landfall on July 6 near Litchfield Beach, S.C., and was later downgraded to a tropical depression as it moved through North Carolina and into Virginia.
CSX spokesman Austin Staton says the railroad’s operations in North Carolina have not been affected by the storm. “We’re continuing to monitor weather events across the U.S., but there have been no significant operational impacts at this time,” he said.
I believe CSX prevaricated. the “S” line south of CARY had both north and southbound Floridians detour over the “A” line from Selma Savannah. NC DOT is going to be disappointed that its owned NS line Greensboro Raleigh has so much damage. Wonder how soon Piedmonts and Carolinians will run?