After the severe flooding that hit the region early on the 10th of August, there was serious damage to the tracks of both the BSOR and NYLE. The tracks will be fixed in time, but the devastation to the Gowanda and Silver Creek areas will take much longer. People have lost everything through out the areas. The damage to the track is secondary to what must be fixed in these towns. My heart goes out to those in need now. As for us, the damage and repairs are being surveyed now so that a plan can be put in place to restore rail service to the south. The BSOR can still operate the northern section from North Collins to Buffalo. The Fair Train will go out as scheduled on the 24th.
Please do not try to go to Gowanda and see the damage unless you have business there. There is so much mud and debris that extra traffic makes clean up difficult. Donations are being taken through the Red Cross and Salvation Army to help the residents of the two towns. Warm meals are one area that are lacking at this point.