CSX Honors Employees in Blue Ridge Subdivision Restoration Celebration

October 3, 2025 – On October 2, CSX hosted a celebration in Erwin, Tennessee, to honor the dedicated employees, contractors, and partners who worked tirelessly to reopen the Blue Ridge Subdivision. The event recognized the monumental effort to restore the vital 60-mile freight corridor, which was heavily damaged by Hurricane Helene nearly one year ago.
 
This key route connects Appalachian communities and businesses to the national freight network, carrying over 14 million tons of freight annually. The extensive restoration was one of the largest in CSX history, involving over 570,000 work hours. Key upgrades included rebuilding the Poplar Bridge and the Devil’s Creek Bridge with modern, resilient designs to better withstand future weather events. The project, completed in collaboration with state and federal agencies, also reinforced retaining walls and upgraded drainage systems throughout the Nolichucky Gorge.
 
The successful reopening strengthens the entire CSX network, adding capacity and flexibility to keep freight moving efficiently. CSX extends its deepest gratitude to every worker and partner whose skill and dedication brought this essential line back stronger than ever.
 
Learn more about the project in the official news release: Read it here.