We have received updates from the KCS, UP, NS, CSX, and BNSF railroads in regards to the Class Four Hurricane Ida that made landfall yesterday, Sunday 8/29/21. Below we have outlined these service announcements, as well as the last date they were updated.
KCS
Updated Monday, 8/30/21
At this time, due to excessive rain and wind caused by the hurricane, the KCS mainline operations and interchanges from New Orleans to Baton Rouge, as well as Gulfport/Hattiesburg, MS have been suspended. KCS is continuing to monitor the storm’s projected path and potential impact on the rest of the network. Crews are on location and will begin making the necessary assessments and repairs once the all clear has been received.
At this time there is no estimated time for the line to reopen. Once it has reopened, KCS will send out an update and announcement.
Union Pacific (UP)
Updated Monday, 8/30/21
As the UP continues assessing the impact to their network, they have released a summary of current conditions:
- UP has established Command Centers to coordinate resource needs.
- Monday morning, 8/30/21, engineering crews began track inspections to assess storm damage. UP has already staged ballast trains to assist with potential washouts.
- Fallen trees, downed power lines, and other storm damages have led to numerous road closures limiting travel to affected areas. Additional contract drivers are available to supplement transportation needs.
- Multiple locations are currently experiencing power outages due to a loss of commercial power. UP is working closely with local power companies and contractors in the impacted areas to restore service.
- The New Orleans floodgates remain closed with no interchange to the eastern carriers; the UP is continuing to review reroute options.
Norfolk Southern (NS)
Updated Sunday, 8/29/21
Norfolk Southern is monitoring the effects of Hurricane Ida. Flood gates in New Orleans were closed, including those gates that affect NS operations, and are expected to remain closed at least through Monday, August 30th. Operations in New Orleans and into the Southeast will be impacted as the storm comes ashore bringing high winds, flooding, and power outages. NS is working with interline partners to detour traffic through alternative gateways where possible.
NS implemented precautionary actions to protect infrastructure, and rail equipment was repositioned away from low-lying areas. Additionally, NS terminals in New Orleans are closed through Monday, August 30th. Customers with shipments destined to or through this affected area should expect delays up to 48 – 72 hours.
CSX
Updated Friday, 8/27/21
CSX implemented precautionary measures to protect employees, rail traffic, and infrastructure – including repositioning assets and identifying alternative routings that may be required for some traffic. Updates will be provided as needed.
BNSF
Updated Friday, 8/27/21
Due to the flood gate closures, all routes eastward and westward through New Orleans were affected, including interchange routes on other carriers. BNSF suspended all rail operations between Lafayette, Louisiana and the New Orleans area at 12 PM Central Time on Saturday, 8/28/21.
RSI Logistics will continue to monitor this situation as it unfolds and inform you with any and all pertinent information. If you have any questions on this topic then feel free to reach out to your normal Customer Service representative.
