After the creation of the Erie Lackawanna, why did the EL management choose to use the Erie Railroad' s line to Buffalo verses DL&W's? The routes are roughly the same distance from Corning to Buffalo. Was the Erie's line in better physical shape than the DL&W's at the time the decision was made? Did both lines have CTC? Did DL&W's line have grades? Did one or the other have more on-line customers? Would using DL&W's line to avoid the Portageville bridge been a better option?
Probably the biggest factor was Dansville Hill between Dansville and Groveland, NY. Those were
pretty stiff grades each way and the Erie line's profile was less strenuous.
Not totally sure, but I think the on-line industries may have been better as well. The Morton
Salt plant was and is a good customer.
Charlie