As Hurricane Katrina moved inland after devastating much of the Gulf Coast, railroads moved rapidly to mobilize manpower both to move relief supplies to the area and to begin the long task of rebuilding severely damaged rail lines.

Within hours of Katrina’s passage, rail crews were out assessing damage, repairing track and bridges and clearing trees and other debris from hundreds of miles of rail line, because rail service is essential both to the national economy and to the recovery of the Gulf Coast. Relief supplies are already moving to the affected areas by train as more and more rail lines are brought back into service.

In addition to providing essential transportation services, railroads and their employees have already pledged millions of dollars in donations to help stimulate the region’s recovery and to help Katrina’s victims.

Information in this special section of the AAR web site includes updates on railroad relief and repair efforts as well as links to railroad web pages that deal with Katrina. Update on the progress railroads are making in restoring service will be provided here on a weekly basis until service has been largely restored to the region.