CSX’s former Clinchfield largely unrecognizable after historic flood

Town and rail line showing flood damage

ERWIN, Tenn.  — CSX Transportation’s ex-Clinchfield Railroad mainline has seen devastating impacts from Hurricane Helene’s once-in-a-generation flood. It is still too early to determine the full extent of damages, but photos along the famed Clinchfield route are revealing extensive damage exacerbated by the region’s remoteness. High waters are prohibiting emergency responders and railroad officials from […]

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Herrmann named as Amtrak’s general counsel

Man in suit with white shirt and tie

WASHINGTON — Amtrak has named Byl Herrmann as execute vice president and general counsel, responsible for the long-term priorities and annual operating plan for the company’s legal department. “Byl has helped guide the evolution of Amtrak’s Law department and corporate development over many decades and brings a comprehensive and deep knowledge of all facets of […]

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Once-in-a-generation floods hit North Carolina mountain railroads (additional update)

Flood waters and debris at railroad bridge

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Communities along the former Southern Railway and Clinchfield Railroad in western North Carolina have seen record-setting rainfalls in the days prior to Hurricane Helene. Now, tropical weather is pouring additional rainfall into the area, creating what local meteorologists are calling a once-in-a-generation storm. Places along NS’ former Southern S-Line on the French […]

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Brian Barr named chief mechanical officer at Norfolk Southern

ATLANTA – Norfolk Southern yesterday named Brian Barr as its chief mechanical officer. Barr joins Norfolk Southern from Union Pacific, where he held the positions of general manager Great Lakes Services and senior vice president transportation. Barr started his career as a craft dispatcher in 1998 working at Conrail and, later, CSX. During his 26-year […]

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Initial studies rocketing for future Moon-based railroad

Crater and landscape of Moon

REDONDO BEACH, Calif. — The idea of a rail network across lunar soil can be looked on by many as nothing more than science fiction. Northrop Grumman Co. and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) look to change that viewpoint with recent studies yielding potential results. In a press release dated March 19, 2024, […]

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FRA finalizes $3 billion Brightline West grant

Illustration of high speed train in desert

WASHINGTON — The Federal Railroad Administration has officially signed the $3 billion grant agreement for the Brightline West rail project, the company has announced. The grant, awarded to the Nevada Department of Transportation, was signed today (Sept. 26). The grant award was announced in December 2023 [see “Legislators say Brightline West will receive $3 billion […]

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