Marion, NC is located in the western part of North Carolina. This location is at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and it also can be considered the starting point for the famous Clinchfield Loops that pass over the Blue Ridge. Marion is also the location where the Norfolk Southern's S-Line from Salisbury, NC to Morristown, TN crosses the Clinchfield.
Hotspot Description
The Norfolk Southern (ex-Southern) line runs East to West through North Carolina and crosses the CSX (ex-Clinchfield) on an overpass on the eastern side of the town of Marion. On the Norfolk Southern this location is called "Clinchcross" and on the CSX you are located between the signals at South and North Marion. The NS line is all single track TWC territory with ABS signals and passing sidings. The CSX territory is single track CTC with passing sidings. This location is not a typical location where you can sit at the overpass and watch all the action. The closest place to sit is a grade crossing on the CSX (Seagle Street) where the NS overpass is just visible to the north. You will need a scanner to hear approaching NS trains, so you can move and see those trains clearly.
Directions
Approaching Marion on I-40 will be the easiest way to get to the crossing. Take exit 86 off Interstate 40, and proceed north. Within a mile of your exit you (and after you pass under the CSX) will take a right onto U.S. 221 (Rutherford Road/Main Street) and proceed into downtown Marion. After you cross the NS tracks in downtown Marion on an overpass, take a right onto Court Street (U.S. 70) and proceed one mile until you see Yancey Ave on your right. Take a right onto Yancey Ave. (and cross the NS line at grade). After crossing the NS line you will see Seagle Street on your left. Turn left onto Seagle Street and proceed about 1/2 mile to the bottom of the hill and the grade crossing with the CSX. You will be able to see the NS overpass just around the curve to the north.
Typical Traffic and Volume
The CSX line sees mostly coal and empty hopper trains. The line also hosts two pairs of manifest trains and also a pair of intermodal trains. The NS line sees a mix of coal, manifest and rock trains. On a typical day you can average 20-25 trains on the Clinchfield and 10-12 trains on the NS in a 24 hour period.
Scanner Information
CSX
161.100 (Road Channel)
161.370 (CSX)
161.520 (CSX Jax)
NS
160.590 NS Road
160.245 NS Dispatcher
160.830 NS Road #2