Cleanup of derailment site progresses, U.S. 41 targeted to reopen Monday

See the latest about cleanup efforts and road closures due to the train derailment in Trenton

By Todd County Emergency Management

Contributed

January 4, 2026 3:34 pm

Christian County NowTrain derailment cleanup in Trenton, Kentucky. Jan. 2, 2026 (Contributed by Todd County Emergency Management)

Updated 9 p.m.: CSX reports that removal of all remaining non-hazardous rail materials is expected to be completed by approximately 10:00 a.m. Monday. In coordination with this work, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) will have road maintenance equipment on site to address any remaining heavy debris on the roadway if needed.

Following debris removal, a coordinated roadway washdown with the Trenton Volunteer Fire Department and sweeping operations will take place. CSX has a sweeper/scrubber unit on site to support final roadway cleaning. Upon completion, KYTC will conduct a final safety inspection.

Pending inspection and approval, the target time to reopen U.S. Highway 41 is approximately 1:00 p.m. Monday.

CSX has advised that the previously anticipated oversized movement of scrapped rail cars on county roads scheduled for Tuesday will not occur. CSX is evaluating the safest method for removal, and this planning process may take several additional days.

To address potential public concerns, CSX confirmed that the intact molten sulfur rail cars remaining on site do not pose an ongoing hazard if exposed to precipitation or fluctuating temperatures.

Previously:

HOPKINSVILLE, KY – As of 4 p.m. Jan. 3, substantial progress has been made in cleanup and consolidation efforts at the CSX train derailment site near U.S. Highway 41 and KY 104.

CSX and supporting agencies report that the removal of remaining non-hazardous rail materials is progressing as planned, with completion anticipated by Sunday evening. Weather conditions are expected to remain favorable through Monday, with only a slight chance of precipitation on Tuesday, supporting continued recovery operations.

Scrapped boxcars from the derailment will be transported off-site, with some movements potentially occurring on county roadways. These transports will involve oversized loads on stretched trailers and will require appropriate escorts ensure safety. CSX is coordinating permitting requirements with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, and additional coordination will occur prior to any movement. Transport operations could begin as early as Tuesday, pending final approvals.

Regarding U.S. Highway 41, agencies will meet Sunday afternoon to coordinate final Monday morning roadway cleanup activities, including washing, scraping, sweeping, and inspection. If conditions allow, the current plan is for U.S. 41 to reopen during the day on Monday, following completion of all required safety checks.

Public safety remains the top priority. Residents are encouraged to continue avoiding the area until the roadway is officially reopened and to remain alert for future traffic advisories related to oversized load movements. Additional updates will be provided as conditions warrant.