MILW Trestle collapse

For those who have not seen or heard- Part of the famous Benewah Lake Bridge has collapsed. Currently operated as the St.Maries River Railroad, this is on the old main line, between St.Maries and Plummer, in Idaho.

Guess I'm not surprised. In the 25+ years since they acquired it, the owning lumber company, (Potlatch Corp), has only done minimal maintenance. If repairs are at all expensive, I'd not be shocked that this would end railroad operations. I'm sure the rest of this bridge will now be thoroughly inspected, and more will be found in need of repair.

Meanwhile, at least one regional tv/radio station is reporting, and also showing on their web site, some absolutely false "history." That the Milw was bankrupt in 1974, and abandoned. And that was when the lumber company bought it. What a crock!

The Milwaukee Road was not bankrupt in 1974. They voluntarily entered bankruptcy to reorganize, in 1977. They did not officially cease common carrier operations out west, until 0001 of March 1, 1980. And their last trains, cleanups, ran until about March 14.

That specific right of way was not abandoned. It was SOLD to Potlatch.

This sort of thing, from any of media, proves over, and over again, why they should simply be ignored. Their constant, daily inaccuracies stem from mal-educated employees, incapable, or unwilling to do proper research.

It's sickening to think of what other tripe they peddle to an unknowing public every day.

:angry: :angry: :angry:

Boxcab E50

 

Just about brings a railfan to tears to read this:
http://www.trainweb.org/milwaukee/article.html

Always sad to see a trestle collapse--very likely will cause an end to RR ops, unfortunately. Any loss of equipment? Any injuries?

 

I agree, I do not bother with the main stream media anymore. I get more news in my comute with NPR than what is on tv. Main stream media will spend more research time on Britneys second preganancy yet give me little news on business and world affairs. I will say however the local Rockford news station do report the local news regarding the two big roads, UP and BNSF. They actually were large proponants of the UP Global III yard in Rochelle. Even our weather guy at the NBC affliate is a railfan and can be seen from time to time in Rochelle and local train shows.

The news of the trestle collapse is indeed a sad one. Another piece of history falls with it.

 

I've heard no mention of injuries anywhere. So hope that's true. I'd suppose if there were, the media would be over-dramatizing it.

Just a crane in the water so far as is known.

I do fear for the future of that rail operation. But perhaps there is an emergency financial aid available.



Boxcab E50

 

There is the old Paul Simon lyrics, "I get all the news I need on the weather report." But I believe Ken would have issues with that too.:teeth:

 

Yup. As these are usually so inaccurate as to be useless. :thumbs_down: I use common sense, and the view out from a window. Am usually correct.

mg:

Boxcab E50

 

Sorry. Top secret! :zip: Can't tell you! Ha ha ha.

Try this:

http://www.kxly.com/news/index.php?sect_rank=3&section_id=561&story_id=1899



Boxcab E50

 

I'm a person who lives on facts. Especially when it comes to preserving precious history, anywhere, I want accuracy. Or a disclaimer that information presented is the best known. And being open doored to additional input. Our future depends upon remembering, and learning from the past. Fiction guarantees costly repeating of old errors.

Wondering myself how they'll get their crane out. If the rest of that trestle is stable enough to bring in work equipment.

Boxcab E50

 

I cannot say conclusively. It might not. Unless the Park also includes water. I know Heyburn has waterfront. But the bridge is out in the Lake. Been a while since I was last there.

Maybe there's a decent map on the 'Net somewhere?

Boxcab E50

 

My worst fears may be coming true. I'm receiving "rumblings" from that area. Sleazebag media hit piece(s) and crackpot environmentalism have apparently reared their heads. The RR is possibly shut down. It could be permanent.

If so, it will collapse the economy for that area of Idaho.

:angry: :angry: :angry:

Boxcab E50

 

I've wondered the same.

Their economy is centered around that logging, and sawmill operation. The mill might continue OK. But then again, how much would a conversion to log and lumber trucks cost? How would a bunch of added trucks impact that area road infrastructure?

I guess we'll continue to wait. And see how all the inspections go. Supposedly this week.

:sad:

 

Not to mention they'd need to get the lumber out. So all those additional trucks as well. And the road west from town is not one to host many trucks! Twisting, winding. Narrow two lanes.

mg:

Boxcab E50