Wednesday midday rail news:
Two hurt as BNSF train derails in New Mexico
Two BNSF Railway crew members were injured in a derailment Wednesday morning in Vado, N.M., KVIA-TV reports. The station says the derailment caused millions of dollars in damage and will require weeks of cleanup, according to the New Mexico State Police. The derailment occurred about 4:20 a.m. and has shut down State Route 189 until further notice. The two crew members were taken to local hospitals for evaluation. A police spokesman says the derailment was caused by ties left on the tracks. KOAT-TV says two locomotives and 12 cars derailed. Vado is about 20 miles south of Las Cruces, N.M. and 30 miles north of El Paso, Texas.
Passengers advised of possible COVID-19 exposure after Royal Gorge Route employees test positive
Three employees of Colorado’s Royal Gorge Route tourist railroad have tested positive for COVID-19, prompting the railroad to advise passengers who visited Nov. 18-20 that they may have been exposed to the virus. KOAA-TV reports that the railroad is advising passengers to reach out to their local health department for testing and guidance. The railroad said in a press release it is working with the Fremont County Department of Public Health to review its COVID procedures and improve them where possible. The train, which resumed operation in May, has been operating at 25% capacity with protocols including employee temperature checks and enhanced sanitization procedures. The train continues to operate.
SEPTA moves ahead on extension to King of Prussia, Pa.
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority remains committed to a $2 billion project to extend its Norristown High Speed Line to King of Prussia, Pa., despite the budgetary concerns created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Philly Voice reports SEPTA officials reviewed plans for the route and stations at an online public meeting Tuesday. The project still needs to secure full funding. The 4-mile extension could begin service sometime between 2025 and 2027.
