So yesterday, a Northbound UP OCS passed through the CJL, after holding for about an hour at Crews. Does anyone know what this OCS was for? There were some people in it, it looked like, but I could not find anything for an OCS train symbol that might run North through the CJL. Thanks if anyone has any info! I will attach pictures when I get the chance
Could it be related to the State of Colorado’s continuing desire to run passenger trains on the Joint Line. Does UP still run many coal trains over it? Maybe they see an opportunity to sell their interest in the line to a wiling buyer.
UP doesn’t run any coal trains over it anymore besides the rare reroute after the Drake power plant in Colorado Springs closed down and BNSF acquired the Ray Nixon power plant contract.
I do know that CJL passenger service is projected to be coming online sometime in the next decade though. https://governorsoffice.colorado.gov/governor/news/coloradans-choose-colorado-connector-name-future-front-range-passenger-rail-train
UP’s system map still shows they have trackage rights over BNSF south from Pueblo over the paired trackage to Texas, which I understand at least in the past, hosted coal trains. Has that business also dried up?
I believe so, but I may be wrong.
