Article claiming many locations around PHL need major repairs. Especially noted is the high line bridge near 30th street station.
Didn’t think CSX would be such a really bad citizen!
Blue Streak, the viaduct they are referring to is across the Schuylkill River from 30th St. It’s part of the Freight Bypass of 30th St. which also includes the section you’re referencing.
Years ago there was a conversation in Trains about bridges and the fact that they were built for much higher weights due to the weight of steam engines and the weights with diesels reduced. It was also stated as I recall had it been the other way the railroads wouldn’t be able to afford to teplace the bridges. So as they deteriorate I assume the Cooper rating goes down but they are still safe for the loads they are carrying. Even interstate bridges that are half the age have the same problems. To some degree I see a politician being political.
CSX has an entire line in Chicago that they no longer use because the bridges were condemned–by the city, apparently. Condemnation evidently means they just sit there with no trains using them (CSX has alternate means to get to the industry [industries?] toward the end of their line).
So, yes, it happens to them. What they will do about it remains to be seen.
About two or so years ago “Trains” ran an article about CSX and the current management crew running the railroad. If I remember correctly the previous managment were all from the accounting department, and we all know the saying, “professionals know sometimes you have to spend money to make money, accountants thinks you make money by NOT spending any money!”
Upshot was there was a tremendous amount of deferred maintanance, both on infrastructure and on locomotives and rolling stock, and CSX has been playing catch-up ever since the new crew took over, so it sounds like the Philly area is one they haven’t gotten to yet. I’ve seen quite a bit of work done here in the Richmond VA area, new track work and the locomotives don’t look like the rolling rust-buckets they were a few years back
Maybe a Forum poster who works for CSX can elaborate for us.
Not for the current year, however, it is indicitive of how CSX has been investing in itself since the end of the John Snow storm
One thing about catching up on deferred maintenance - not every project can be first.
And easier when the hedge funds are not bleeding the corporations.
Dear Balt,
“Snow storm.” Nice! [tup]
Also like your new sig…kept me entertained for a minute or two…
“+1” - kind of like a ‘stick-figure’ Wile E. Coyote vs. Roadrunner cartoon . . . [swg]
See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wile_E._Coyote_and_The_Road_Runner (esp. the list of "Acme Corporation Devices Used", and “Laws and Rules”. ).
- Paul North.
As kids growing up in Irricana, AB we always thought this was very funny because Acme was two stations north of us. I looked on Google Maps and it seems there are four Acmes listed; Washington, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Alberta.
We would go up to Acme at least once a year because that is where the nearest Alberta Treasury Branch was located, which sold Automobile License Plates. Motor Vehicle Department offices were only in the cities.
Bruce