11:08 AM EDT, 04/04/2024 (MT Newswires) -- CSX (CSX) has completed the first shipments using the new rail line created to divert traffic and relieve disruptions caused by the March 26 collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge near the Port of Baltimore, according to media reports on Thursday.

The rail carrier said Tuesday it would launch a dedicated service to mitigate the logistics congestion resulting from the cargo ship collision and bridge collapse into the mouth of the Patapsco River. At the time, it expected freight to begin moving early next week, traveling between Baltimore and New York where it could connect to ocean-bound ships or the major domestic rail routes.

Rival Norfolk Southern ( NSC ) this week similarly disclosed plans to begin service on a new line on Friday to carry freight between Baltimore and New York while crews work on reopening Baltimore harbor.

CSX did not immediately respond to a request for comment from MT Newswires on Thursday.

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