The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway suffered significant damage from a 10-acre brush fire this weekend and is facing months of repairs, according to a news release Monday from the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority.
Some sections of the railway continue to smolder, but emergency crews have departed, having completed their response operations, the release said.
According to an initial assessment, the railway’s cable system has been severed and will require months to remanufacture due to its specialized nature. Also, both the rail system and cross timbers have sustained damage, though the full extent remains unknown.
The railway is insured, and the insurance company has been contacted, the release said.
CARTA officials and the cable manufacturer have begun talks about changing out the damaged cable, which had been fully replaced in April, the release said. Also, rail manufacturers have been contacted and are prepared to help, timber suppliers are on alert to provide necessary materials, and engineers will begin their assessment Tuesday as they look to develop a repair plan.