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After more than four months of reconstruction and repairs, CSX Transportation’s Gulf Coast line between New Orleans and Pascagoula, Miss., is close to reopening. Beginning in early February, the Class I will resume service on the line, which was heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina in late August.

The railroad is nearing completion of all construction work, which includes repairing more than 40 miles of track and CSXT’s New Orleans yard. The Class I also is restoring six major bridges, including the two-mile Bay St. Louis, Miss., bridge, which was washed out down to its concrete piers. During construction, CSXT has re-routed trains on other railroads and handled freight at temporary transload facilities.

“We are incredibly proud of our employees and contractors for their tireless efforts to help bring the railroad and its economic benefits back to the region,” said CSXT Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Tony Ingram in a prepared statement. “Many of them contributed to the rebuild straight through the holidays while dealing with their own storm-related issues at home.”

The Gulf Coast line is a key artery for CSXT, which before the storm moved or interchanged more than 1,000 freight cars daily on the line. The Class I serves more than 20 industries and ports along the corridor. CSXT officials estimate storm-related damage costs and lost revenue will total more than $250 million.