Long-term Goals
The CMRR's long term goal is to run tourist trains on the entire 25-mile run from Kingston to Phoenicia, which will include lengthy views of the scenic Ashokan Reservoir, and a stop at Ashokan Railroad Station. Currently Bridge C-9 at MP 5 is in need of major repairs. Bridge C-30 (the "Boiceville Bridge") at MP 21.32 was washed away by Hurricane Irene on August 28, 2011. These damaged spans separate the two ends of the railroad and prevent conventional trains from operating the length of the line. Funds and assistance are being sought to repair bridge C30. However, as of late 2010, the CMRR determined that it could repair bridge C-9 without outside funding, and obtained enough bridge timbers to renovate the bridge. Other repairs were minor and were performed by the CMRR. Redecking of the bridge started in late 2011 and was completed on December 3, 2012, the bridge was certified on December 7, 2012, and the first train ran across the bridge with passengers on December 8th. The Kingston Shuttle will be extended another .4 miles to Route 209 once trackwork is complete.
Washouts at Hurley Flats and Butternut Cove also need to be repaired before the Phoenicia operation can be linked with the Kingston operation. Nearly the entire line from Phoenicia to Kingston is navigable by track cars and light maintenance equipment.
A major washout at Bridge C34 (MP 28.8) west of Phoenicia effectively severs the CMRR. Many washouts and landslides between this bridge and Shandaken (MP 33.5) need to be addressed before more damage occurs to the right of way. Bridge C42 over Lasher Road needs to be restored to its original location, it was removed and set aside after the end of Conrail service to allow for greater vertical clearances. Volunteer crews continue to cut brush and keep the tracks clear all the way to the connection with the DURR at Highmount. On December 4, 2012, Ulster County approved a budget that included $642,000 in revenue from scrapping the rail west of MP 28.8.
The CMRR has been isolated from the national network since Conrail removed their Kingston interchange in 1996.
The Delaware & Ulster Railroad has expressed interest in trucking their stainless steel "Rip Van Winkle Flyer" train set to the CMRR upon the restoration of more track and starting service to Ashokan Reservoir. Both organizations are confident that a dinner train operation would prove popular and provide substantial revenues. The DURR has also expressed interest in resuming service between Arkville and Highmount, and continuing south/east over the CMRR through the horsehoe curves at Pine Hill possibly all the way to Big Indian (MP 36.4). With the recent developments in regards to Hurricane Irene, restoration of any track between bridge C34 west of Phoenicia and Shandaken (MP 33.5) appears to be an ever more remote possibility.
Read more about this topic: Catskill Mountain Railroad
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