CSX
“CSX is making significant strides in rebuilding its Blue Ridge Subdivision, a critical 60-mile stretch of railroad in North Carolina and Tennessee that was devastated by Hurricane Helene” last fall, the Class I reported Aug. 15.
The railroad has advanced to the track-laying phase along the scenic gorge. “It has taken roughly 10 months to get the roadbed ready for the track panel installation,” CSX Director of Track Kevin Haddix said.
CSX is working toward a fall reopening of the line, which previously handled some 14 million gross tons of freight annually. “It’s important to CSX to get this line back open to restore fluidity on our surrounding lines,” Haddix noted.
The project is divided into sections based on the type of work. Details about the section of track under reconstruction, the damage and recovery status, a description of the work in progress, and the next steps are provided in the table below:
Meanwhile, Gen. Thomas Bostick, a member of the CSX Board of Directors and the 53rd Chief of Engineers, was recently recognized with the Gold de Fleury Medal, the highest honor awarded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Army Engineer Association, CSX reported Aug. 15. The award, a symbol of “exceptional service and dedication” to the Engineer Regiment, was presented during the 250th Engineer Birthday Gala, honoring Bostick’s 38-year career in the U.S. Army, as well as his continued contributions to the Corps since his retirement.
According to CSX, Bostick reflected on the significance of leadership and the responsibility of shaping the future in his acceptance speech. “To those rising in the ranks today, the mantle of leadership is waiting for you,” he said. “You’re not just inheriting a legacy—you’re shaping our future. And nations around the world will look to the Corps for advice, ideas, innovation, and inspiration.” Bostick also emphasized that the recognition was not only about his personal journey, but also a testament to the collective efforts of soldiers, civilians, mentors, friends, and families, CSX reported.
In a special post and video shared via social media, CSX thanked Signal Manager Clint Russell, who recently exemplified the railroad’s use of “technology and teamwork to create a safer work environment.” Russell, it said, took swift action to stop a train facing a potential safety hazard. Watch video above.
Further Reading:
- CSX Partners With Sappi North America
- CSX ‘Elevates Freight Efficiency’ With CSX Howard Street Tunnel Bridge Project
- Should BNSF and CSX Focus on the Watershed Now?
- UP+NS: An ‘Absolute Monster of a Railroad’
- CSX: ‘We Continue to Stay Focused’
BNSF
“BNSF operating teams have achieved improved performance this week after a challenging beginning to August on the Southern Transcon, the route connecting Southern California to the Midwest,” BNSF told customers in an online intermodal network update on Aug. 15. “Frequent storms and flash flood warnings throughout the Midwest have necessitated that trains operate at reduced speeds at times. Additionally, the extreme heat on the western end of the Transcon has led to some service interruptions. In response to these disruptions, we allocated additional resources and responders to the affected areas, increased track inspections and optimized our locomotive surge fleet to aid in the recovery efforts.”
Despite the challenges, BNSF reported, average car velocity and terminal dwell “remain steady” compared with the previous week and the average levels reported for July. The railroad’s local service compliance averaged 90% for the week, which BNSF said was higher than the prior week and more than 2% higher than the previous month.
In related news, June was a record month for dwell at the Southern California ports and for the week of July 13, BNSF had the most lifts ever performed in one week there.
Further Reading:
- BNSF 2Q25, 1H25: Revenue Essentially Flat, Operating Income Up, OR Down
- BNSF Opens New Salt Lake City Intermodal Facility
NS
NS and City of Refuge, a nonprofit organization, have opened a new welding training center in west Atlanta. Made possible by a $350,000 NS grant, the center offers hands-on training; industry-recognized certifications; and wraparound support like career coaching, transportation assistance, and job placement, NS reported Aug. 14.
“This first new welding class is off to a great start, and we are excited about the future for them and the job opportunities that the welding center will create,” said Bruce Deel, CEO of the City of Refuge.
“This initiative is one of many efforts led by our Community Impact team to create meaningful opportunities and drive long-term, positive change in the communities we serve across our 22-state network,” added Kristin Wong, Director of NS Foundation and Community Impact.
“Skilled welders are essential to Norfolk Southern’s daily operations,” NS Vice President Safety John Fleps commented. “They help ensure our locomotives and railcars are safe, reliable, and resilient. That’s why we’re proud to invest in the next generation of talent through our partnership with City of Refuge. By supporting the launch of this new welding training center, we’re not only strengthening our workforce, we’re helping open doors to high-demand careers and economic mobility for residents in west Atlanta.”
