Does anyone know how CSX is routing traffic to the Southwest since Katrina knocked out the line through New Orleans connecting with the UP and BNSF over the Huey P. Long Bridge?
I think I read somewhere they would take NS up to Hattiesburg and then down the old IC route to Mobile.
Trackage rights have been obtained over the NS through Meridian, MS....other traffic is being routed through the Memphis and St.Louis gateways.
Thanks guys, that makes sense. But the last time I saw the CN/IC trackage between Hattiesburg and Mobile, it was hardly Class I. It looked like it should be no more than 25 mph most of the way. BTW, our local paper said that CSX expected the New Orleans-Mobile line to be re-opened no sooner than next March. CSX has six major bridges to rebuild including the nine-span Rigolets bridge and approach trestles, 26 miles of trackage destroyed in swamps with only boat/barge access, and 50 miles on land of which at least a third was washed out. [ October 05, 2005, 08:43 PM: Message edited by: Hytec ]
I suppose it would be limited. From Meridian there is an NS line down to Mobile but that is probably in about the same shape. May as well go on to Birmingham and get back on CSX there. If they do that then the Memphis gateway makes more sense after all. Whatever they do, they will be glad to get the track between New Orleans and Mobile rebuilt.
I've seen some of those bridge piers across the bays. Am wondering if some can be re-used? Or if they'll need to build new again? Boxcab E50
The piers in the Bay of St. Louis and Biloxi Bay probably are usable as they are concrete pilings that are only 40 and 30 years old respectively. I assume they will be tested for stability in light of the tremendous wave and scouring action they experienced from the 20-40 foot storm surge. But the wooden trestles across the Pearl River swamps, Rigolets Pass, and Chef Mentuer Pass probably will need replacement.
Hope they can re-use those concrete piers. Am also hoping there'll be some photos available of the work. Should be interesting! Hank- Are you close by where they'll be working? Boxcab E50
My property backs to the tracks in extreme east Gulfport near the Biloxi line. This is about mid-way between the two Bay bridges. CSX is working on the ballast in my area. A ballast train was dumping a few days ago, and a ballast grader/spreader is working today. I assume that this equipment came south from Hattiesburg on KCS, because there is no other way into Harrison County by rail. BTW, the ballast train was led by a CONRAIL C30-7 and a CONRAIL C36-7, both in bad need of soap, water, and paint.... As far as bridge repair photos are concerned, I'm not sure how I would get them. The Highway 90 bridges over both the bays won't be repaired for at least 18 months, and access to the water's edge is restricted to home owners and cleanup/recovery personnel. Furthermore, chartering a chopper is a little beyond my personal budget according to my accountant/wife.....no sense of humor whatsoever...
Ahh, but there is always the water route. "Honey, I'm going for a swim today." Well, maybe not that drastic but a rowboat, johnboat, canoe, pirogue, kayak, outrigger dougout, banka, dory, umiak, inflatable,....you get the picture.
Come to think of it, I do own an 8' inflatable with a 2.5 hp outboard...hmmm? "Honey, I'm going for a swim today."
Got a waterproof camera? Bet you'd get some interesting looks from the crews rebuilding those bridges! Boxcab E50
