After several months of back and forth between a company that recycles retired train cabins and the town of Hildebran over zoning and safety requirements, the two have come to an agreement.
The town said in a release on Aug. 8 that it will issue a permit to the company after receiving and reviewing a completed site plan from Bradshaw’s Train Services and Innovative Bridge Company for 500 E. U.S. 70, Hildebran.
The company bought surplus train cabins from Norfolk Southern Railway. It removes the train cabins that railway workers lived in from the metal rail beds. The company has used the rail beds to build temporary bridges in areas affected during Hurricane Helene and puts the train cabins up for sale for $5,500 apiece. Burke County and the state’s Department of Insurance have said the train cabins cannot be used as a permanent dwelling.
The town previously said the company was using the property as a scrapyard, which is not allowed, but the company argued it used the property to store heavy equipment and materials.
In its Aug. 8 release, Hildebran said the town planner reviewed the site plan that includes landscaping, a 20-foot-wide evergreen buffer around the property, paved parking and entrance, and fencing.
The town said it will waive all fines the town received related to operating without a permit. The town said the property owners are working to resolve a notice of violation from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.
“We are excited to see the property enhancements shown on the site plan,” the town’s release said. “We believe the owners are truly invested in the beautification of the property and enhancing the quality of life of both residents and visitors alike. We believe the work related to Helene recovery efforts are vital to restoring those (affected) by the storm. The company assured us they are committed to recovery efforts as well as beautifying our community.”
In early June, the town of Hildebran sent a notice of violation to Innovative Bridge Company for not having a permit, the town said in June.
In an Aug. 9 Facebook post, Innovative Bridge Company said the reason for setting up on the Hildebran property was due to its direct railroad access. It said bridge components and materials can be shipped by rail directly into its property, eliminating costly transport for oversized loads.
“This efficiency not only reduces expenses but also accelerates delivery and installation timelines, getting bridges in place faster where they are needed most,” the post said.
The company said it has built 76 temporary and permanent bridges in North Carolina and Tennessee since Hurricane Helene in September 2024.
“We are excited to continue to deliver access to WNC,” Lee Roberts with Innovative Bridge Company said in the release. “We are honored to work alongside the city of Hildebran to bring relief and hope to families who need it most.”