Norfolk Southern has announced that repairs are underway for the severely damaged Old Fort Loop railroad line in Fort Fort Fort, North Carolina, which connects Asheville to other regions for freight and passenger travel. This historic line was built largely by Black incarcerated workers, many of whom died during its construction in the late 1800s. Following damage from Tropical Storm Helen, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has been assured that the railway will be reconstructed, vital for both passenger rail service and freight transport in the area.
During a recent meeting, NCDOT Railway Director Jason Orsner highlighted the importance of this line, referring to it as a critical connection for Western North Carolina. The Old Fort Loop has been selected for support under the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor ID program, which aims to secure funding for intercity passenger rail development. Currently, the project is in a preliminary funding stage, with an estimated total cost of about $665 million.
Despite the historical significance and tragic past related to the construction of the loop, no specific timeline for the repairs has been provided. Local officials are optimistic, noting that repair efforts might pave the way for future improvements. Other railways in the region have reportedly invested significant resources into repairs since the storm. As Norfolk Southern works to restore the line, its completion date remains uncertain, though progress is already noted.
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