CSX files to deactivate signals on second Michigan line

CSX should be careful in downgrading this line. Obsessive downgrading and abandonments in the late 80s and early 90s resulted in stagnant trains and no fluidity on a number of lines. NS is more thorough in thinking things through and holding onto lines knowing long-term plans can and do change.

I saw new signals just last week at the New Latson Rd exit where Latson Rd crosses the CSX tracks south of the interchange…

I live on the rail line in question. Traffic volume fluctuates daily. Most traffic runs at night. Trains Q334 and Q335 are the general merchandise freights daily between Grand Rapids and Plymouth (Toledo). Everything else is extra (grain and coal during Fall & Winter; rock during Spring & Summer). Occasionally there are extra trains that detour via this route when there are issues in Ohio and Indiana. Overall daily volume may hit 6 trains. Obviously, CTC control is not needed with this volume of traffic, but let’s hope the FRA turns the proposal down.

Jeff Guse, if Detroit is becoming a place where government money should NOT be spent, why don’t you concentrate your efforts on stopping construction of the new highway bridge down river?Unlike the Ambassador Bridge, which is privately owned, I’m surprised libertarin activsts are mum about this, which is contrary to your small governemnt dictatorship interests.

Being a track-side observer in Williamston, just east of Lansing, from 1963 to present, I have to agree with the retired dispatcher from Grand Rapids. The main use, automotive transport between Grand Rapids & Detroit, vaporized with the 2008 industry meltdown. Couple that with the loss of CP trackage rights to NS, where the other observer of back-to-back CP trains in the early 2000’s on this line was spot-on, meant the ultimate downgrade of this line by CSX was inevitable.

As NS did with their Jackson to Lansing trackage (now a short line), then their transfer of the remaining MC from Detroit to Battle Creek / Kalamazoo onto the state of Michigan, this line too will follow to other than CSX operation. It’s just a matter of time.

Being a brakemen from 72 to 74, out of Grand Rapids, I run a lot of the lines that are gone now. The turkey trail, cannonball, auto train to flint as a rear brakemen with only 1 year seniority. I have great memories of riding the cabooses, last f7’s( I think that’s what we’re on train 42 to det.) I have great memory’s of those times which I will never forget and I hope CSX goes after traffic to keep the main line open.