(NS issued the following news release on September 1.)
NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk Southern has restored service between Birmingham and Mobile, AL. and between Birmingham and Meridian, MS to include Meridian. Traffic normally moving though New Orleans for interchange is being rerouted in cooperation with other carriers.
Efforts are continuing as we repair the damage sustained from Hurricane Katrina to restore our route into the New Orleans area as soon as possible.
Norfolk Southern has an embargo in place for all shipments to locations south of Meridian, MS., excluding Meridian and for Mobile, AL., except Norfolk Southern served facilities. This action was taken to avoid further complication of operations due to congestion in the area until routes are restored to service.
Customers with traffic to, from, or normally moving through the areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina should anticipate delays. Diversion charges for shipments currently enroute to these locations will be waived and shipments normally past their last diversion point will be allowed. Customers will still be responsible for any additional freight charges.
For questions on specific shipments, please contact our Customer Service Operations Center at (800) 635-5768.
For questions regarding potential impact on local service in this area, please contact our Central Yard Operations Center at (800) 898-4296.