CR on the Southern Secondary

For the record, with the initial funding for the biggest project this area has ever seen (Gateway Tunnel) already approved for nearly half a billion dollars, and the expected overall cost of 30 billion dollars, I don't think there will ever be any money for MOM. A few key strokes on the calculator comes up with $1.8 mil for each rebuilt mile south of Woodmansie (MP 75.5 to MP 104, Winslow Jct), so 1.8mil x 30 = 54 million bucks. Upgrading Red Bank (MP39) to Lakehurst (MP66) would run at least half a million per mile, so another 13.5 million bucks. Overall, a (very) rough estimate of 67.5 million dollars needed in 2018 dollars; if the Delair bridge crumbled & fell into the Delaware River tomorrow, this might be an option. Otherwise, look for the sand trains in the next couple of years.......

For those so inclined, some rr cost numbers here: https://www.compassinternational.net/ra ... enchmarks/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Just my .02 worth,
Chris

Needless to say, unless someone manages to rack up the funds for a high-speed rail line through the ROW (which might get opposed anyways as the massive environmental impact is a pet peeve for NIMBYs), seeing trains south of Woodmansie will forever remain a pipe dream. The trees are a massive obstacle, and if no one does anything about them they will continue to grow between the rails till you need an excavator to dig out the stumps and roots.

I don't think this ROW can even be converted into a rail trail, as a matter of fact.

Regarding the trees within the gauge, YEARS AGO, when the NYS&W was rebuilt between Butler and Sparta Jct, the situation was much the same, the line was unused for MANY years, yet it was put back in service rather quickly. Of course, there was an economic reason and it was privately funded (maybe there was some grant money, but a private job). There were 6-8 inch trees within the gauge, encroachment on the right of way, paved over crossings, etc., yet it happened. Just pointing out the feasibility of doing it, will it happen and the CNJ Southern Division? Probably not. Will MOM, in any form, be built? Probably not. There are just too many other much higher priorities and the money is not there. Anyway, the MOM discussion belongs in a different thread, probably in NJ Transit Rail. Back on topic, sand trains have been discussed for many years, hopefully the stars are finally aligning. There are also numerous discussions in the MOM threads regarding NY-AC service that are worth visiting if you want more information with posts from some very knowledgeable people.

NY&LB wrote:

Anyway, the MOM discussion belongs in a different thread, probably in NJ Transit Rail.

There is a long discussion of MOM in the NJ Transit topic. Since MOM was planned for Lakehurst to NYP pax traffic, it would impact CR operations on the Southern Secondary, probably positively. Track upgrades to FRA Class 3 from Red Bank to Lakehust would enable the weekly SA-31 run to be done in about 1/2 the time. Any discussion of opening the Southern Secondary to Winslow Jct. for AC pax service would be a huge drain on NJT, so it's just a pipe dream. The best way to increase traffic for CR on the Sou. Sec. is to build Gateway (as Chris noted) so Clayton has a customer for A LOT of concrete sand.
PS - Chris, thanks for the link.

I took a ride to Lakehurst & Woodmansie to check on the progress of NJSL, see here viewtopic.php?f=127&t=160249&start=180" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A couple of before & after views of the current out-of-service section south of Lakewood.....

Lakehurst in May of 2010...


Same spot, March of 2018...


New end of track marker in December of 2010 at MP66.1 in south Lakewood...


Same spot, March of 2018...


Conrail will have some tidying up to do before trains roll to Lakehurst again.....
Chris

Chris,
Thank you for the wonderful photos in both threads. Conrail needs a LOT of 'tidying up' over the whole line from MP38 to MP66. One interesting location to visit is Hamilton Rd., Tinton Falls just to watch the track deflect 3"-4" under each truck of the SA-31.

Today’s leader will almost definitely be CSX 4432. The other two engines in the yard at this moment are CSX 4451 and CSX 6160. However, 6160 is not equipped with cab signals...

SA-31 permission on the Church Connecting Track at 2:05 PM. They must wait until track work finishes at 3
Permission to open Church 2:48 PM
Lined and locked normal 3:02 PM

Yeah Donny, I didn't think CSX 6160 had cab signals either, but there she is! CSX 4432 with CSX 6160 plus 18, approaching Maxwell Rd at 4:10 in the pm. A brick car for Extech on the head end, 16 for Woodhaven & a tank on the hind end. Nice train this week; if 6160 isn't cab-signal equipped, they will have to swap the power around somewhere for the return trip.
Chris

RailsEast » Thu Apr 05, 2018 4:09 pm

There are only 3 places to do the engine run-around. Downtown Lakewood is probably out because they would block crossings for too long. Red Bank could be done. But my guess is Cross St.

6160 is PTC equipped, so it will lead SA-38

SA-38 about to drill Bel-Ray... 6160 and 4432 + 12

Eastbound through Shrewsbury at 0315 hours

Here’s my video of SA-31 and SA-38 with 6160... Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/xkzXU67wtx0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here is a look of the construction progress on the line:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chYsY-Ll_HI" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
It is a little outdated
Video is Millenniumforce's