JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Working ahead of schedule, CSX Transportation plans to re-open its Memphis-Nashville line that was heavily damaged by severe flooding earlier this month, company officials said.
Operations were scheduled to resume at 6 p.m. EDT May 25 over the entire length of the approximately 200-mile line in western Tennessee, including two bridges spanning the Harpeth River that were heavily damaged. However, additional work is planned each day from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT. Trains will operate over the line from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Some train re-routes over other rail carriers will continue for several days until all work is complete.
“This is a terrific accomplishment by the CSX team,” said David Brown, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “Despite the fact that many of our employees were directly affected by this tragic flooding, they brought an extraordinary focus to re-opening the line and resuming service to our customers and the communities in that stricken area.”
Earlier estimates had called for resuming service in mid-June, but work progressed more quickly due to the employees’ efforts, Brown said.
CSX also announced that it intends to pre-pay property taxes for tax year 2010 due in early 2011 to affected Tennessee counties to assist recovery efforts. Almost $2.7 million will be paid early to 23 counties, including $1 million to Davidson County in which the City of Nashville lies.
