Abandoned lines - what would look good on today's map?

Trains Magazine General Discussion
1

In my “Dream World” the reopening of the former B&O line between Clarksburg WV & Parkersburg WV would be something I would like to see. My dad worked this line in the late 50s and early 60s and I traveled over it many times on the B&O’s passenger trains.

Of course, it would require lowering some tunnel floors, notching the tops, or day-lighting them before re-installing the track to obtain clearance for any container movement over this line. However, since the majority of freight would most likely be coal it might not be necessary.

Reopening this line would give CSX another route to the midwest without having to go over Sand Patch, although the terrain would be just as difficult until reaching the Ohio River at Parkersburg.

Will this line ever be reopened again? It is very doubtful, but a guy can dream can’t he.

2

The ex Milw. Austin Mn to Calmar to Marquette Iowa line to shorten the current route from Austin by way of Iowa Northern through Nora Springs Ia . The Rochester Mn area is still looking for a bypass and this route here would shave some good time off and serve as a decent bypass for Canadian Pacific’s former DME line to Winona Mn.