SAVANNAH, Ga. — Seven months ago, two decommissioned MARTA railcars were deployed into the Atlantic Ocean as part of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Reef Project. They are now developing into thriving habitats for marine wildlife.
The railcars were cleaned of hazardous materials and inspected before being transported to Artificial Reef L, located 23 nautical miles east of Ossabaw Island. They were placed in 55 to 65 feet of water.
“Seeing the rapid development on the railcars is exciting, and we look forward to repurposing more retired railcars for similar projects,” said MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood.
Recent DNR Coastal Resources Division dives show significant coral growth and various marine species inhabiting the railcars. The video provided by MARTA shows the underwater transformation with fish and other marine life exploring the new reef.
Watch recent DNR Video of the MARTA rail car below
“You’ll notice one of the railcar roofs has collapsed, which is typical, and we’ll see more changes to the railcars over time as they become part of the essential marine habitat for sea creatures, including popular sport fish and endangered sea turtles," said Cameron Brinton, a marine biologist with DNR’s Coastal Resources Division.
MARTA’s railcars join previously deployed materials, including U.S. Army M-60 battle tanks, barges, tugboats, New York City subway cars, and other manufactured structures. Artificial Reef L was created in 1976 as part of a network of 32 offshore reefs that the Coastal Resources Division has been building and improving for over 40 years.
