I posted some links here.
That work was routine maintenance. The ties are pretty rotted on the closed section, so I can only imagine the active section was getting bad. From what I could tell south of Landrum, they only replaced the worst ties and did nothing to the rails. Grade crossing improvements are routine on non-active sections as well, so nothing special there. Plus, nothing is happening on the Asheville side (yet).
But, I think the W-Line has potential as an intermodal route. Straight shot to Knoxville from Charleston. Relieves traffic off other lines. No vertical clearance issues, which the Old Fort Loops may or may not have (tunnels). Not sure about the weight of intermodal, and how splitting the train up to tackle the hill would be accomplished.
The Fat Lady has not sung yet, but it will take a lot of work. We will have a better idea at the end of the year when we find out how NS is getting their Exhibit Car to Landrum.