I read here on AltamontPress that Spokane, Spangle and Palouse (SSP) quit operating the "P&L branch" south of Oaksdale. I understand the P&L branch is owned by WSDOT and SSP is the contracted operator.
Curious how this played out. Did WSDOT direct SSP to quit operating and did WSDOT embargo the line? Or did SSP quit on its own because it wasn't making money?
Is WSDOT trying to get out of freight railroading altogether?
Looking at the photo of the trestle fire at Rosalia from last August, that track is in really fine shape with welded rail. Is the track south of Oaksdale to Pullman still the old jointed rail and worn out NP/BN ties?
Photo of burned trestle: [
www.spokesman.com]
"Palouse railway reopens after fire burns bridge, closes line for 5 days"
Aug. 24, 2021