Norfolk Southern Old Fort Loops Hurricane Helene - PART 3 - Coleman to Ridgecrest

[@mackigator]

I was expecting worse. Glad to see so much intact railbed and track that is accessible.

[@ronaldrondeau7870]

thanks will cost lost of $$$$$$ to rebuild and the music is awesome

[@happyhome41]

I take it, NS doesn’t have the financial reserves and/or connections with the federal government to make the same kind of progress here, that CSX is reporting on their stretch of road in this area. Beautiful video, and hauntingly pleasing soundtrack.

[@railroadman32257]

The damage did not look that severe once away from the geyser area but I have serious doubts this line will be rebuilt unless the state kicks in some $$ because they want commuter type service to Asheville. Hurts to see all that damage. This was my favorite part of the SR during my 13 year tenure there.

[@johnhenryNC]

I agree. I don't see Norfolk Southern spending the amount of money it will take to rebuild the line between Asheville & Old Fort.

[@BurritoFarmer46]

Take that drone and go check out the Clinchfield loops next. Supposed to be a big washout just south of Rocky siding.

[@Blackfridaytrainman]

Final analysis from the video: Lots of holes in the roadbeds, some washouts, especially right outside of Old Fort and 1 near Ridgecrest, a good amount of downed trees, even some damaged bridges. The line looks repairable, but with the decrease in traffic, I think NS might abandon it. It would be nice to see the line get restored.

[@tomt9543]

Excellent, as we’ve come to expect from you! The “road” (I use the term loosely!) that appears to somewhat follow the line, is that old Hwy 70? And if so, is it passable?

[@bryanmarshall8124]

The section of Old 70 seen here has been closed for many years and is primarily used by cyclists and walkers. Mill Creek road is repaired now and passable between Ridgecrest and Old Fort.

[@tomt9543]

@ The loops would make a great rail trail! I don’t see it coming back as a rail line though.

[@johnhenryNC]

I don't believe Norfolk Southern will repair the track between Asheville and Old Fort.

[@foscoe2496]

more video

[@foscoe2496]

please make more videos

[@bryanmarshall8124]

@@foscoe2496 I’m on it.

[@RR98guy]

Where is this? USA?Canada?

[@johnhenryNC]

Outside of Asheville, NC.

[@RR98guy]

@@johnhenryNC Okay, thanks, Greetings from Budapest, Hungary.

[@johnhenryNC]

@@RR98guy Greetings from the foothills of North Carolina. 👋

[@railroadman32257]

@@RR98guy Greetings from Florida. Seach for Asheville, NC on Google Earth. Mark the spot and then search for Old Fort, NC and mark that spot. The railroad goes through the middle of Old Fort exiting slightly to the northwest. Trace it, and first you come to Point Tunnel, then the Andrews Geyser (actually a fountain monument to the builders of the railroad). Around there, you will see the BIG "S" curve that comprises the loops. Then continue and the railroad bears up into and out of a valley. This is approximately Coleman. Then there are several tunnels, LickLog, Jarretts, etc. and finally Bergen. Then a long stretch along the side of the ridge and finally Swannanoa Tunnel which passes under the edge of an assembly ground, Actually Ridgecrest, A Baptist retreat area. Then on to Asheville. The issue is there is little or no industry between Marion, NC, a few miles east of Old Fort, and Asheville.

[@grahamlindsay1263]

Between Ridgecrest and Old Fort North Carolina