Short Line with Historic Roots Joins Watco’s Network

Last month marked the first day of operations for Watco’s newest short line, the Smoky Ridge Railroad (SMO). With this addition, Watco’s short line network now includes 48 railroads across North America
and Australia.

The SMO operates along 13 miles of track, with its depot located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Nicknamed the “Secret City,” Oak Ridge was originally home to one of the main production sites of the Manhattan Project during World War II from 1942 to 1945. Back then, the Department of Energy owned the SMO, formerly known as the Heritage Railroad Corporation, and the short line moved enriched uranium used to make the world’s first atomic bomb deployed in wartime.

Watco’s newest short line interchanges with the Norfolk Southern in Blair, Tennessee, and currently serves two customers including EnergySolutions.
Joe Heckman, president of EnergySolutions Waste Management Division, said, “I’m confident that Watco will be an excellent steward of Smoky Ridge Railroad and that the railroad’s operations are well positioned for continued safe, reliable service going forward.”

Today the city of Oak Ridge is poised for growth. With more nuclear manufacturing facilities announcing plans to relocate or expand operations in the area, investments have exceeded $10 billion in the last five years.

Watco Sales Director Caleb Dellasega said, “We are thankful for EnergySolutions entrusting us to carry on the legacy of this railroad. We’re excited to serve customers and become a part of the community in this historic city. As Oak Ridge continues to attract businesses to the area, our team looks forward to facilitating growth by providing them with essential first- and final-mile rail service.”

Pictured above: the team on the first day of operations at the SMO.
From left to right: Randy Burington, Tony Clark, Tim Keegan, Chris Lewis, Thomas “Jesse” Resch, and Tim Lewis.