Friday afternoon rail news:
Work at East Broad Top uncovers, removes decayed dynamite
Stabilization work on a building at the East Broad Top Railroad took an unexpected turn this week with the discovery of five cases of material labeled as explosives. After work halted, analysis determined the material was probably decayed dynamite, estimated to be 100 years old. While it was determined the material posed no imminent danger, removal and disposal is taking place today — an effort planned by Specialty Professional Services Inc. of Washington, Pa., and involving review by Huntingdon County (Pa.) Commissionser, the Huntingdon County Emergency Management Authority, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Authory, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and Orbisonia Volunteer Fire Department. The EBT Foundation thanks the agencies and organizations which have assisted in the effort.
STB grants AAR request to establish new rules for emergency trackage rights
The Surface Transportation Board has agreed to a request from the Association of American Railroads to begin the rulemaking process to allow for emergency trackage rights that could be invoked immediately in certain circumstances, without need for the board to waive the usual 30-day notice. The AAR, in its request filed on October, says its proposal would streamline the process for enacting emergency trackage rights, to the benefit of shippers, railroads, and the boards. The SMART-TD union filed its opposition to the AAR request in November.
Officials pursue plan that could use NJ Transit light rail line to link Bergen, Passaic counties
Officials in Passaic County, N.J., are seeking public comment on an effort which could use NJ Transit’s Hudson-Bergen Light Rail line to connect Bergen and Passaic counties, via a New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway line. NorthJersey.com reports the latest attempt to revive a long-running concept would build on a 2018 environmental study, and asks members of the public to participate in online survey, using a digital map to indicate where they would begin and end trips between home and work, shopping, and other activities. It also asks for thoughts on the three possible transit modes that could use the route — light rail, bus rapid transit, or commuter rail.
