(Norfolk Southern issued the following on August 30.)
NORFOLK, Va. — As a result of damages sustained from Hurricane Katrina, Norfolk Southern’s service to locations south of Meridian, MS to and including New Orleans, LA and between Marion Jct., AL to and including Mobile, AL have been disrupted. Traffic normally moving though these areas for interchange is being rerouted in cooperation with other carriers.
Efforts are underway to inspect and restore these routes to service as soon as possible.
Norfolk Southern has embargoed all shipments to locations south of Meridian, MS and south of Marion Jct., AL. 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.