Historic Rail Loops Near Old Fort Reopen After Tropical Storm Helene

Norfolk Southern's geometry train crosses the Eastern Continental Divide, signaling the return of freight rail to Western North Carolina.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 9:09am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly stylized, geometric illustration depicting the sweeping curves and towering mountains of the historic rail loops near Old Fort, North Carolina, capturing the grand scale and romance of rail travel in the region.The historic rail loops near Old Fort, North Carolina, are set to reopen, restoring a vital transportation link for the region after the devastation of Tropical Storm Helene.Asheville Today

The winding historic rail loops and tunnels near Old Fort, North Carolina, are set to reopen to rail traffic for the first time since Tropical Storm Helene in 2025. Norfolk Southern has confirmed that a geometry train, an engineering train that uses advanced sensors to gauge alignment, curvature and surface conditions, traveled the 16 miles of rail headed toward Asheville from Old Fort on April 7. This is a key step in the restoration of freight rail service to the region, which suffered extensive damage during the storm.

Why it matters

The reopening of the Old Fort Loops is a significant milestone for Western North Carolina's rail infrastructure, which was severely impacted by Tropical Storm Helene. The loops are a crucial part of the proposed WNC passenger rail corridor, a project that would connect Asheville to Salisbury and provide an alternative transportation option for the region. The restoration of freight rail service is also important for the local economy, as it will allow businesses to more efficiently move goods in and out of the area.

The details

Norfolk Southern spokesperson Heather Garcia confirmed that the first regular train is expected to pass through the loops later in April 2026. The company suffered significant damage to its rail lines in Western North Carolina during Tropical Storm Helene, including 21,000 feet of washed-out track, 50,000 feet of track damaged by scour, and over 15,000 feet of fill failure. Repairs were privately funded by Norfolk Southern.

  • On April 7, 2026, Norfolk Southern's geometry train traveled the 16 miles of rail headed toward Asheville from Old Fort.
  • In April 2025, freight rail has only been able to exit and enter Asheville from the north, winding through Marshall in Madison County and into Newport, Tennessee.

The players

Norfolk Southern

A major American Class I railroad company that operates in the eastern United States.

Heather Garcia

A spokesperson for Norfolk Southern.

Steve Little

The mayor of Marion, North Carolina, and a North Carolina rail historian who is the co-chair of the Western North Carolina Rail Committee.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I was so afraid after Helene, after I saw the extent of the destruction, that Norfolk Southern would not make that financial commitment to restore those tracks. That was terrifying.”

— Steve Little, Mayor of Marion, North Carolina, and North Carolina rail historian

What’s next

Norfolk Southern expects the first regular train to pass through the Old Fort Loops later in April 2026, marking the full restoration of freight rail service to the region.

The takeaway

The reopening of the historic Old Fort Loops is a significant milestone for Western North Carolina's rail infrastructure, which was severely impacted by Tropical Storm Helene. The restoration of freight rail service is crucial for the local economy, and the loops are also a key component of the proposed WNC passenger rail corridor, which could provide an alternative transportation option for the region.