http://www.news-star.com/topstories...ic-proposed-line-will-produce-industrial-jobs The line between McAlester and Shawnee, OK was once part of the Rock Island's Choctaw Route between Memphis, TN and Tucumcari, NM. It was last used by MKT to access Oklahoma City from McAlester. There are a couple of washouts, and undoubtedly vegetation issues, but this project, if completed, would give A-OK access from Howe, OK to Oklahoma City, and would also mean most of the Choctaw Route in Oklahoma would be back in service. Farmrail operates a chunk of this line in western Oklahoma. A-OK operates Howe-McAlester, and Shawnee-OKC. BNSF uses the latter line to reach Shawnee and a section of former Santa Ef trackage there.
I looked at the A-OK site, but the system map showing there is a little on the small side. Need to find something a bit larger.
I think washout doesn't quite describe it. The Canadian river has shifted just east Shawnee and ROW that once paralleled the river is now in the middle of it. The bridge looks to be intact from the overhead but about 300 yards of the western approach are gone and now in the center of the river channel. It may be possible to fill to restore the ROW but short of a track realignment, a longer approach span may be needed. With out some governmental help to the tune of millions, I don't think the AOK will get to re-open the line. Also, the rest of the line does have some veg issues....trees between the ties! If it were me, and money no object, I would use the old ATSF ROW to the river and build ROW connector back to the RI alignment. The old ATSF river crossing abandoned long ago,though only a few hundred yards up river, is under no threat of a meander washout. I hope they get the money!
