FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Seminole Gulf Railway, which sustained major damage last October from Hurricane Ian, has gradually reopened its damaged right-of-way and should have operations fully restored by the end of the year, WBBH-TV reports. Six bridges were destroyed along the railroad’s route south from Arcadia, Fla., where it interchanges with CSX, through […]
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For an entertaining read about railroading, check out Fred W. Frailey’s first novel
Have you read any good railroad novels lately? Me neither. Or at least I hadn’t until May, when Fred W. Frailey emailed me a nearly final draft of his first novel. Frailey needs no introduction. For more than four decades Trains Magazine readers have enjoyed his masterful reporting and writing on the railroad industry. Now […]
Texas tourist railroads you must visit
If you’re planning a visit to Texas, make sure to include these tourist railroads, museums, and displays as part of the itinerary. They’ll be the highlights of your adventure in the Lone Star State, as recommended by Trains Magazine’s Tourist Trains Guidebook. Texas Tourist Railroads and Museums Central Texas Austin Steam Train Association – 401 […]
NS reaches settlement with OSHA, union over safety at East Palestine site
CLEVELAND — Norfolk Southern has agreed to a settlement with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the union representing maintenance-of-way employees to improve safety at the site of the Feb. 3 East Palestine, Ohio, derailment, according to a Wednesday OSHA announcement. The settlement stems from OSHA enforcement inspections that began in March to […]
Weekly decline in U.S. rail traffic appears constant
WASHINGTON — Weekly U.S. rail traffic remained at similar levels to those established in recent weeks, with volume for the week ending Aug. 5 down 3.2% from the same week in 2022. It was the sixth time in the last seven weeks that the weekly figure has shown a decline of between 2.4 and 3.2% […]
New rules coming for Stuart, Fla., rail drawbridge
STUART, Fla. — The U.S. Coast Guard plans to issue revised rules governing the Florida East Coast Railway drawbridge over the St. Lucie River in Stuart on Friday, Aug. 11, WQCS Radio reports — but details on those revisions are not yet public. Operating rules for the bridge are a key concern for Brightline as […]
FRA report: Norfolk Southern safety improving, but gaps remain
WASHINGTON — Norfolk Southern’s commitment to safety has improved since the disastrous Feb. 3 hazardous materials derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, the Federal Railroad Administration said in a report released today. But the FRA’s 143-page supplemental safety culture assessment also found that NS often focuses on meeting minimum safety standards, has inadequate communications procedures, inconsistent […]
Workers approve contract at National Steel Car, ending 41-day strike
HAMILTON, Ontario — Workers at railcar builder National Steel Car have approved a new contract, ending a 41-day strike by 1,475 members of the United Steelworkers. In a Tuesday vote, 87.4% of the members of Local 7135 approved the three-year agreement, which includes a 13% wage increase over the life of the contract, with 6% […]
West Virginia tourist railroads you must visit
The history of railroading in West Virginia is as rich as the state’s coal unearthed from deep within the Appalachian Mountains. While West Virginia might not have as many tourist railroads and museums as other states, the ones that are located in the Mountain State are considered unique with experiences that’ll rival the best. From […]
C&O Historical Society begins fundraising to restore office car Chessie 29 to operation
CLIFTON FORGE, Va. — The Chesapeake & Ohio Historical Society has begun a fundraising campaign to return historic C&O office car Chessie 29 to operation, organization president Mark Totten has announced. The society will sell a custom, limited-edition, 11-by-17-inch poster of the car from Base Camp Printing of Charleston, W.Va., to fund the hiring of […]
Minnesota tourist railroads you must visit
From the Twin Cities to the Twin Ports, Minnesota’s tourist railroads, museums, and displays preserve a vast history of iron and steel that crisscrossed the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” With help from Trains Magazine’s Tourist Trains Guidebook, let’s explore the Gopher State’s must-visits. Minnesota Tourist Railroads and Museums Minneapolis-St. Paul Minnesota Transportation Museum – 193 […]
Alstom to build 60 new passenger cars for Connecticut
HARTFORD, Conn. — Alstom will build 60 new coaches for Connecticut commuter rail service, Gov. Ned Lamont announced today. Delivery of the first cars under the $315 million contract is expected in 2026. The cars are intended for use on the Hartford Line as well as New Haven Line branches. “Having a modernized transit system […]