INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Ongoing riverbank-stabilization work in Cuyahoga Valley National Park is leading to some changes in departure locations for the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s “Steam in the Valley” excursions set for May.
The excursions, featuring the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society’s Nickel Plate Road 2-8-4 No. 765, are set for May 13-15 and May 20-22.
This year, all trips will depart from the Rockside Station in Independence; in prior years, they have started both there and at the Akron Northside Station. The railroad is contacting customers holding tickets for a departure from Akron about the change; those seeking a refund should contact the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic by March 29 at 5 p.m. Otherwise, customers will automatically be reticketed for departures from Rockside Station.
“Steam in the Valley is an annual tradition at the railroad and we’re excited to offer it the first time in May,” Joe Mazur, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic CEO, said in a press release. “We’re happy we can still bring this annual tradition to the area for everyone to enjoy.”
Erosion on the bank of the Cuyahoga River had reached within three feet of the railroad’s tracks, leading the railroad to modify its schedules [see “Riverbank issues lead Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad to cancel some trips,” Trains News Wire, March 7, 2022]. In addition to the changes for the trips with No. 765, the railroad will operate on a modified schedule through July. Scheduling of the riverbank work has yet to be finalized.
“We continue to monitor the situation with the riverbank and are working closely with the national park on a schedule for repairs,” Mazur said.
Tickets for the railroad’s National Park Flyer and Cleveland Dinner & Event Train will go on sale on April 1 at 9 a.m. to CVSR members. Sale to the general public will begin April 5 at 9 a.m.
More information on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is available at the railroad website.
