This is bit of a before and after question. When the mills in Pittsburgh were in full operation what was rail service like? Now I hear and read that most of the mills have closed down, has rail service dropped off or has other businesses picked up the slack?
Just read the histories of any Pittsburg area railroad: PC, CR, B&O, PS&W, MON, etc. and you’ll see the answer.
Henry6;
[:-^] The only railroads in Pittsburg [Ks] were the SLSF, ATSF, MP, KCS; not to mention that there were approximately 110 miles of Trolly/interurban rails connecting the communities of the Pittsburg area, and the various (100 or so coal mining camps) of the Weir-Pittsburg Coalfield.
(see@http://static-71-126-182-50.washdc.fios.verizon.net/Marker.asp?Marker=35522
FTL:"…At one time, this region produced a third of the nation’s bituminous coal and smelted lead and zinc ore in such quantities that southeast Kansas became an industrial giant. The mix of nationalities in these camps created an ethnic geography unique to Kansas that came to be known as “The Little Balkans.” The miners not only dug coal but gave voice, and leadership to the United Mine Workers in its efforts to establish the eight-hour work day, guarantee safe working conditions, secure equal pay for equal work, create child labor laws, and implement minority and women’s rights…"
Sorry, hernry6, could not resist the opportunity to poke a little fun your way! [:-,]
The only blast furnaces left in the Pittsburgh area are US Steel’s Edgar Thompson works near Braddock, PA. As an indication of how far the RRs have cut back, look at the P&LE which use to have a 4 track line to its connections in Youngstown, OH. Now it is basically a single track line that CSX acquired to replace its hilly B&O Chicago line.
The Hot Metal Bridge to Pittsburgh South Side was converted about five years ago to a motor bridge and bike trail. The old B&O line into DawnTawn was converted over to a bike trail in the early 1990’s. Its modern style station in the Golden Triangle was taken down for a office tower in late 2000s. The Pennsy branch from the main station on Grant Street to the South Side was converted in the early 80’s to the ‘T’ line which removed all street trackage for the trolleys (you can still ride the line today.) Last, the P&LE South Side station has been home to the best sea-food house around, Grand Concourse, since 1978 The saloon is called the “Gandy Dancer Saloon.” Try explaining what a “Grandy Dancer” is to those around the bar some night. By the way, if you go to the Grand Concurse for dinner, ask for a window seat, sit back to a great view of the Burgh and for lots of CSX action right outside! Can someone please pass me an Iron City?
Current rail operations in Pittsburgh and the entire Southwestern Pennsylvania area are a shadow of what they were when steel was the economic engine of the area.
Having grown up in the 40’s, there is little doubt that the volume of rail traffic and the number or mileage of tracks has been greatly reduced. Having said that however, it should also be pointed out that the Pittsburgh area is still quite busy with rail traffic. Besides Norfolk Southern and CSX, Wheeling & Lake Erie, Pittsburgh & Ohio Central, Allegheny Valley, Union Railroad, Bessemer & Lake Erie, and the Buffalo & Pittsburgh are well reprresented. So the area is still active in tonnage, just not as much as before.
Ya gotta be a Still City native!
Does the Gandy Dancer still serve the best linguini with white clam sauce…bar none? I worked a ways down Carson Street for a few years and the Gandy Dancer and other excellent restaurants in the P&LE Station complex were our favorite haunts.