The Maine Narrow Gauges (Historic & Preserved) > Maine Narrow Gauge RR Co. & Museum

St L & A petitions to cease service on it's branch from Danville Jct to Portland

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Glenn Christensen:
Story from today's Portland Press Herald.

Possible impact to MNG.


Best Regards,
Glenn

http://www.pressherald.com/news/Hauling_beans_for_B_M_not_paying_off_for_railroad_.html

Cliff Olson:
Glenn, are you suggesting that the line may become available to MNG for dual gauging or that MNG may lose its ability to operate around the Eastern Prom? Everything depends upon how quickly the state might try to operate passenger service between Portland (presumably India Street) and Lewiston.  Of course, the Back Cove swing span would have to be repaired for either passenger service to india Street or extension of MNG track north toward Falmouth.

Glenn Christensen:
Hi Cliff,

I would say "Yes" to both possibilities.  Since the state apparently owns the branch itself, it would seem that if St L & A ceases providing services an operator / tenant (or an operator AND tenant) will be wanted.  MNG, the state DOT, Amtrak and probably others could potentially choose to become involved.

The possibilities and their consequences bear consideration.


Best Regards,
Glenn


 

James Patten:
I don't see either MNG dual gauging anything north of the Back Cove bridge, considering that they are trying to raise money to move out.  And I don't see the State reclaiming the waterfront for standard gauge track any time soon.

NNEPRA (the authority responsible for the Downeaster) is looking for a good place to put another Portland Station.  One of the locations is down south of the Portland/South Portland bridge, where the MEC yard used to be.  Of course staying at the existing station is also being reviewed, along with the old Union Station location. 

Mike Fox:
I second James' comments. The state is more interested in courting the likes of Amtrak or some inter-city service. I myself think trying to restore any passenger service to the section below Yarmouth is foolish, as they have already upgraded the tracks from there to Portland for passenger service, and this stretch will not gain that many more riders.

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