CSX Blue Ridge Recovery Project Receives AREMA’s 2026 Hay Award

CSX, HDR and Project Partners Recognized for Rapid Recovery of Critical Freight Corridor After Hurricane Helene

The CSX Blue Ridge Recovery Project has been recognized with the 2026 Dr. William W. Hay Award for Excellence by the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA). 

The award honors CSX, HDR and the many project partners for restoring service along the Blue Ridge Subdivision in North Carolina and Tennessee after Hurricane Helene destroyed bridges, washed out more than 60 miles of track and damaged critical rail infrastructure in September 2024.

Less than a year later, the corridor was returned to revenue service through an incredible recovery effort that brought together more than 50 contractor teams and project partners. The project has become a model for innovative railroad disaster response and resilient infrastructure restoration.

HDR served as engineer of record and construction manager on vital portions of the project, supporting CSX's efforts to quickly assess damage, design with resilience in mind, and reconstruct to withstand future extreme weather events. The project included replacing two major bridges, reconstructing washed-out track, improving drainage, using recovered rail materials and stabilizing embankments to strengthen the corridor.

“This recognition reflects the technical knowledge and collaboration demonstrated by CSX, HDR and the many project partners who came together to rebuild this vital transportation corridor,” said HDR Freight Rail Director Bill Hjelholt. “The work not only restored a critical freight connection in the U.S. but strengthened the region's infrastructure for decades to come.”

The restored Blue Ridge Subdivision carries more than 14 million tons of goods each year and serves as a key link between the Southeast and Midwest. The recovery effort also helped reconnect communities affected by the storm while reducing freight impacts on regional roadways and enhancing supply chain reliability.

Throughout the recovery, CSX, HDR and its project partners emphasized community engagement and transparency, providing regular updates through the public-facing Blue Ridge Subdivision Recovery website and engaging the community throughout the rebuilding process.

HDR congratulates CSX and all project partners whose dedication, ingenuity and collaboration made this award-winning recovery possible.