Re: STMA Schedule Update
Author: Bruce Kelly
Date: 12-27-2006 - 14:24
The propane dealer on UP's CdA Branch is still there, almost always has a tankcar or two on site. Right at the Prairie Ave X-ing about a mile east of Hwy 41. UP local out of Trentwood switches that a couple times a week, last time I saw it was on a Thursday. And of course the branch is still used for meets. When the train is long enough, like grain, empty potash, etc., they'll have to cut the Hwy 41 crossing, or worse yet block it for several minutes if the opposing train is close enough. I believe they did a track rehab as far as the propane dealer a few years back, partly to handle those main line meets. Beyond the propane dealer, the branch falls into rusty, weedy disrepair the rest of the way to CdA, and this segment has recently been announced as the next addition to our region's growing network of rail trails. Track has long been torn out from about I-90 on into the Gibbs area where all that Riverstone development is taking place. From Gibbs into CdA proper, the UP track is still there so BNSF can service the former UP spur at Stimson's old DeArmond mill.