More Thursday rail news in brief:
Resort’s insurance company sues Durango & Silverton over fire
The insurance company for Durango’s Purgatory Resort is suing the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad over damages resulting from the 416 Fire, the 2018 wildfire which the U.S. government has said was started by sparks from a D&S locomotive. The Durango Herald reports that Granite State Insurance Co. filed the suit on May 29, just before expiration of the two-year statute of limitation to submit a claim. The suit says the resort was forced to close for two months, suffering losses to its property and business.
Alstom enters agreement to develop hydrogen trains for Italy
Alstom and Italian infrastructure firm Snam have signed a five-year deal to collaborate on the development of hydrogen-powered trains in Italy, building on Alstom’s work with hydrogen-fueled trains now running in Germany. CNBC reports the agreement would see Alstom build and maintain new equipment or trains converted to run on hydrogen, while Snam will develop the infrastructure related to hydrogen production, transport, and fueling.
Transport Minister updates Lac-Megantic bypass work
Work on a planned rail bypass of Lac-Mégantic, Quebec — the site of the horrific 2013 derailment and fire that killed 47 — continues to progress, according to a news release from Transport Minister Marc Garneau. A feasibility study by infrastructure firm AECOM is almost complete, meaning work on plans and specifications can begin this summer; land acquisition is continuing, although the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed that process; consultations with indigenous groups are continuing; and environmental studies and planning are also continuing. The project is being funded by the Canadian and Quebec governments.
