Tracks are looking very rusty east of Jackson Highway. I suspect that the cement shop there is the only business left on the branch. Baretables that were parked on Teichert's spur are gone, and the lumber yards don't seem to get rail deliveries any more (it's the economy stupid?). Scrap yard hasn't used rail for a year (as observed from light rail commute), and Aerojet seems to have pulled up the rail inside the fence so that switch now goes nowhere. Project was recently programmed to convert the rail bridge over the freeway for the Mather Field spur into a ped/bike bridge, given the lack of demand for even potential service beyond the lumber yard. Who actually owns the branch now and could file for abandonment (the JPB? RT? still UP?)? Has UP embargoed it? Haven't seen any SPB notices yet but given the lack of activity it's probably only a matter of time. Funny though: earlier this year I saw evidence of some tie replacement and general cleanup at the outer end of the branch.

BTW, if you missed the (poorly advertised) Folsom Railfair (on the same weekend Ione's used to be), you missed a small treat. RT's PG&E streetcar with generator trailer, a railbus, and of course speeders were running on the old track from Iron Point Rd. to White Rock. Definitely interesting track condition in spots but it worked OK. Great views and a bit more grade than I expected. Several displays, a couple of vendors, and Amtrak showing off its fancy Charger police car (not equipped for hi-rail - why not?) at the OpLifesaver booth. A nice Saturday morning bike ride destination...