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As Hurricane Ivan cut a swath through Alabama and Florida's panhandle yesterday, CSX Transportation, CSX Intermodal and Amtrak took action to ensure freight and passenger trains avoided the area.

CSXT discontinued intermodal, automotive, and box-car traffic — excluding building materials — between New Orleans and Tallahasse, Fla., and diverted interchange traffic to other locations. The Class I also staged ballast trains, generators, chain saws and other equipment at various Southeast locations, and placed contractors on call to help restore and remove debris from rail lines.

CSXI closed its New Orleans and Mobile, Ala., terminals — which won't re-open until inspections and needed repairs are completed — and rerouted transcontinental trains over Union Pacific Railroad's Memphis or St. Louis gateways. CSXI also suspended westbound service to UP destinations in Louisiana and Texas.

Meanwhile, Amtrak cancelled services that include New Orleans stops through Sunday.