And still more Monday morning rail news:
Fire damages former Nickel Plate roundhouse in Indiana
Fire damaged a former Nickel Plate Road roundhouse in Frankfort, Ind., on Sunday. WTHR-TV reports firefighters responded to a blaze about 10 a.m. at the abandoned structure on property now owned by Norfolk Southern; as they brought that fire under control, a second broke out elsewhere in the structure and spread rapidly. Firefighters, including 15 who were off duty but were called in to assist, fought the fire for about six hours. One firefighter was treated and released at a local hospital for dehydration. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Niles Canyon Railway cancels Train of Lights
California’s Niles Canyon Railway will not offer its Train of Lights holiday excursions this holiday season. The Livermore Independent reports the Pacific Locomotive Association, which operates the tourist railroad, said current restrictions and other concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic prevent planning for the event. That planning usually begins in August. While the group still plans to operate some excursions this fall, it says the holiday trains are its primary fundraiser for the year.
Metra opens new station on Electric line; plans for another advance
Rebuilding of one station has been completed on the Metra Electric line, while the design has been approved for another station replacement project. A new Hazel Crest station was dedicated late last week, completing a $3.5 million project which has made the facility fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The new station includes a ground-level facility with vendor space, a waiting area and restrooms. Earlier in the month, the Homewood, Ill., Appearance Commission approved a new structure to replace Homewood’s Metra station. The Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle reports the modern glass structure (design images are available here) will replace the current Spanish-style structure, which is not ADA compliant and has water-leakage problems when it rains. The new facility will have ramp access to replace a current elevator and improve the adjacent bus facility.
