OLD FORT, N.C. – R. J. Corman completed a repair and stabilization project between Old Fort and Black Mountain in North Carolina.
After Hurricane Helene led to extensive flooding in the area in September 2024, 14 miles of track were rendered inoperable. RT&S has reported on the repairs done by Norfolk Southern and CSX after the storm. R. J. Corman was commissioned by Norfolk Southern to restore a line and rebuild rail infrastructure. The project necessitated embankment repairs at the base of a mountain and long-term structural stabilization at higher elevations, according to the release. The area is unstable with steep grades and narrow access.
Crews worked to rebuild and repair the roadbed and washouts on both sides of the alignment. They also worked to restore the track foundation and focus on slope stabilization through “the construction of various retaining walls and the placement of riprap to improve drainage and control erosion.” According to the release, crews brought in 179,000 of rock to reinforce the sections. Additionally, crews cleared trees, excavated, replaced rails and ties, and performed tamping. Crews also installed rail pile, H-pile, and Micropile systems, “reinforced with sheet piling, tie-back anchors, and through rods, and then backfilled and compacted the systems to stabilize the roadbed and shoulder.” Because of the nature of the site, work was conducted via a “build as you go” approach in collaboration with Norfolk Southern…