In the GGRM move discussion below the subject of ACE paying to move UP freights to the NCRY ROW came up. I'm starting a new thread since this is a different discussion.

As to the ACE concept of moving UP over to the NCRY, when you look at cost it seems to be one of the most expensive options.

Take a look at the ACEforward document at:
[www.acerail.com]

Section 2.3.2 covers five proposed options for Niles Canyon.

* Alternative CNS-1a: Alameda Creek Bridge, Sunol double track, and Hearst siding extension with and without Centerville line expansion
* Alternative CNS-1b: Centerville line expansion, Sunol double track, and Hearst siding extension
* Alternative CNS-1c: Oakland-Niles Subdivision connection at Industrial Parkway and track upgrades, Sunol double track, and Hearst siding extension
* Alternative CNS-2a: Niles Canyon Railway (NCRY) upgrades and northern connection
* Alternative CNS-2b: NCRY upgrades, southern connection, and Sunol double track

Of the ones outlined CNS-1C in section 2.3.2.3 Seems to be the most reasonable from a cost standpoint. It makes a connection between the Oakland and Niles Subdivisions at Industrial Parkway. It gives UP the most direct route and gets EB/WB freights off the Centerville line and upgrades the old WP line to UP mainline freight standards. It makes double track from Sunol to Hearst. So freights are only sharing the ROW from Niles to Sunol with ACE instead of the current Newark to Hearst.

To do the move to the NCRY would require a complete rebuild of the NCRY line with new bridge supports, new bridges, and new track and they would still have an old 1860's routing. The WP line was built 40 years later and the grades and curvature is gentler. When UP officials looked at the NCRY ROW with ACE officials they flat out said they didn't want to run on it. Even with a complete rebuild the opinions may not change.