Ask Peoria Station 2-4-23

I haven't posted one of these in awhile, so here it is. Ask a question on transportation and industry. As always, if I don't know the answer, I'll find one.

I've learned that American Eagle has made equipment changes on PIA-CLT and PIA-DFW routes, so a dedicated post will be coming up soon. 

- David P. Jordan

Comments

  1. AnonymousFebruary 4, 2023 at 6:24 PM

    So have they officially abandoned the Pioneer Park industrial park tracks off the UP line?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. David P. JordanFebruary 5, 2023 at 3:07 PM

      No, in fact Carver Lumber, with support from the Pioneer Industrial Railway, wants direct rail service again. A filing to the STB was made October 3 requesting a necessary legal change to the railroad's contract with the City of Peoria. The STB approved it a few weeks later. I expect some activity this spring.

      I can't imagine that PIRY would re-activate this line solely to restore direct rail service to Carver Lumber. I suspect that traffic for plastics storage-in-transit movement may be the real reason to reactivate the line.

      Delete
  2. AnonymousFebruary 6, 2023 at 5:25 PM

    Sorry name doesn’t show anymore, long time reader of your blog. Only reason I asked was the garbage bags over the lights at various crossings. The money spent for something that has barely been used since Keller branch was turned into a trail. I appreciate your coverage of everything locally. ABlock

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. David P. JordanFebruary 7, 2023 at 2:33 PM

      The crossing protection signals are out of service, but if and when Carver Lumber (or other potential business) is ready to start traffic again, equipment will be tested and placed into service again. The City of Peoria obtained land and built the connection to free up the Kellar Branch for trail conversion. It didn't matter how much it cost, or how little it is used (and unneeded). They couldn't bear losing to an "old economy" industry like a railroad. Hopefully, if the north end of the Kellar Branch and link to Union Pacific is re-activated, it will prosper.

      Delete

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