Tropical Storm Chantal Disrupts Norfolk Southern Rail Operations in North Carolina

Tropical Storm Chantal has severely impacted rail logistics in North Carolina. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Heavy rainfall caused multiple washouts on Norfolk Southern’s main line between Raleigh and Greensboro, leading to an immediate shutdown on July 6.

Norfolk Southern Rail Line Shut Down Due to Flash Flooding

Soaring water levels and flash flooding washed out key segments of the route, blocking train operations and road access alike. Interstate 40 near Mebane closed in both directions, while several local roads also remain impassable. The CF Branch Line from Greensboro sustained similar damage, forcing a separate shutdown.

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Because of these disruptions, Norfolk Southern expects shipment delays of 48 to 72 hours. The company plans to restore both lines by noon on Wednesday, July 9, and emphasized its commitment to minimizing customer impact. “We understand the importance of your shipments and are working diligently to restore normal operations,” the railroad said.

Operations Continue at Intermodal Terminals in Charlotte and Greensboro

Despite the washouts, intermodal routes to and from Charlotte and Greensboro remain active. Both terminals continue to handle freight without disruption, offering customers some relief as Norfolk Southern reroutes deliveries where possible.

Tropical Storm Chantal made landfall near Litchfield Beach, South Carolina, early on July 6 and weakened to a tropical depression as it moved into Virginia. While the storm hit Norfolk Southern hard, CSX reported no significant impact. “We’re monitoring conditions nationwide,” said CSX spokesman Austin Staton, “but operations in North Carolina remain stable.”

As repairs progress, the storm highlights the growing risk that severe weather poses to America’s freight network. Norfolk Southern remains in close contact with authorities and clients to ensure timely updates and a fast recovery.

Source: www.trains.com

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