CSX Blue Ridge Subdivision Recovery – Interactive Map

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Clinchfield Railroad
CSX Blue RIdge Subdivision

The CSX Blue Ridge Subdivision, the old Clinchfield line south of Erwin is now reopen after the extensive damage from Hurricane Helene. The first revenue freight train ran on September 21st, and two coal trains followed on September 25th. Ribbon cutting photo by Mark Loewe. . Use this link to see Designs in Orbit’s exceptional video updates with drone footage. Also, Train Chaser Elliot provides wonderful coverage.  Click here to read about the monumental CSX rebuilding efforts on Clinchfield.org. In the weeks ahead we will add much more content chronicling the events of the past year.

CSX Rebuilds the Clinchfield Route

CSX has made great progress in recovering and rebuilding their Blue Ridge Subdivision, the old Clinchfield Railroad route. This Google interactive map covers the 60+ miles from Erwin TN to North Cove NC where much was either extensively damaged……or other sections such as the Loops which received minimal damage.

As you zoom in, you will be able to see…..

  • The path of the river and the areas on each bank that was inundated
  • New and old track
  • Dump trucks and track laying equipment
  • Quarries that CSX used for rock
  • Sides of mountains where trees were flattened from Hurricane Helene
  • New shelves and fills on which the railroad now sits

Interactive Map

Below is a thumbnail image of the Google map, the link to the interactive map, and some screenshots of what you will be able to see as you zoom and move around with the satellite view used for the base map.

CSX BR Sub – Clinchfield Rebuilding Interactive Map

CSX Blue Ridge Subdivision Recovery Map - Clinchfield Route

Unaka Springs Inundation

CSX Blue Ridge Sub Recovery - Unaka Springs TN

Poplar Bridge Repair and Quarry

CSX Blue Ridge Sub Recovery - Poplar NC

Tree Decimation by Rain and Wind

Note the difference in tree damage on the left bank vs. the right bank

CSX Blue Ridge Sub Recovery - Tree Decimation by Hurricane Helene

Lesser Repairs on the Loops

CSX Blue Ridge Sub Recovery - Repairs on the Clinchfield Loops

Rebuilding the Clinchfield Railroad

Rebuilding the Clinchfield Railroad https://www.youtube.com/@designsinorbit

One of the best ways to keep up-to-date with the rebuilding of the CSX/Clinchfield line through the gorge is on a YouTube Channel created by Designs in Orbit. The videos are very well produced, and truly depict the enormity of the disaster, and the exemplary rebuilding effort.

Click here to view the ‘Rebuilding of the Clinchfield’ videos, with new ones being added every few weeks.

Clinchfield.org Sources and Resources

The following are excellent resources for those of you wanting to explore and learn more about the Clinchfield Railroad. These sources of information also serve as reference and historical materials for Clinchfield.org. Much of the content on the website is verified across multiple sources.

Clinchfield Railroad

Contact Us at Clinchfield.org

Would enjoy hearing from you if you have questions, suggestions, edits, or content that you are willing to share. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have similar interests in the Clinchfield or Model Railroads.

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3Cs Websites

Appalachian-Railroads.org | Clinchfield.org | Southern-Railroads.org