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CSX files to deactivate signals on Michigan line
Growing-up next to this line and watch it slowly die ever since Buick City closed in the late 90s, I am not the least bit surprised about this. With 2 road freights, 2 locals, and a handful of coal and grain trains, all the auto and manufacturing traffic is GONE and has been since the early 2000s. This was once a busy line that handled 15-ish trains per-day and now is suitable for a shortline operation like it is on the northern-half of the line. In just this year, they closed Flint, removed the second Main through Grand Blanc, and now want to remove the signals (All Pere Marquette-era I may add). It’s only a matter of time until Plymouth to Flint becomes part of the existing Lake State Railway operation.
Trains: What comment do you want from CSX. Sounds like the FRA is next to make a statement.
Good idea? Dunno, me. Could they send the signals to us, in Montana, to use on the BNSF Laurel-Shelby-Sweetgrass line? We are ‘plugged’, with coal and grain trains, in that “dark” territory. They would have to be CTC-integrated to cross the Northern ‘Trans-Con’ at Shelby. Doable! Great place for a Trains “Hot Spot”. CSX is for wussies!
I think it is a good idea
They don’t need the signals…then just get rid of them!! Why do they need the Federal Administration’s approval…do they also have to ask them every time they have to use the restroom? This is what is wrong with our government…too many regulations and approvals slows down progress…not to mention what we have to pay these agents of the government. America…the land of the free…you sure could have fooled me.
How is the PTC mandate going to be met on this line?
I wonder if this line still carries chemicals from Dow in Midland?
I do find ROW signals a comforting sight. Leave them in place, even if they are de-activated. I like to hear “high green!” on my scanner’s earphones, but not all the babble (calling every cattle guard, chicken coop, etc.) on NS’s signaled lines!
During my time on the PM (1947-1949) and thereafter for a time, train 43 was the Flint to Chicago Buick train which I saw on my nights at Elmdale.
If there are no passenger trains there is no PTC mandate. Somehow I don’t think the picture was taken on the Pere Marquette, either.
“Why do they need the Federal Administration’s approval.” Permission is always needed to alter infrastructure substantially. This is a good thing when protections are reduced. Public safety needs to be ensured.