"Severing or abandoning the network of branches between Woodsville, NH and Whitefield that fanned out to Groveton, Berlin and St Johnsbury seems shortsighted. The paper mill traffic at the ends of the NH branches is not be what it used to be, but with VRS taking over the CP and upper Conn River, there might have been some new opportunities."
With the Gennesse and Wyoming acquistion of RailAmerica, a couple interesting thoughts have come into mind.
Does anyone know how much interchange is handled indirectly between New England Central and the St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad's?
Would we ever see some sort of consolidation/agreement to utilize VRS and New Hampshire Central (NHCR) rights for eventual traffic to connect these two G&W properties? The trek is around 95/100 miles from White River Junction, VT to Groveton, NH. Currently, the line is out of service east of St. Johnsbury to Whitefield and in service from Whitefield to Groveton- although a lot of work would need to be performed. I ask this, because the VRS line has seen upkeep in maintenance and traffic the last few years, potential for additional economic development, etc.
Again, hypotheticals:Would G&W benefit from this potential route? There is already existing salt traffic. Lumber traffic, woodchips, etc. would be additional on top of anything else.
Would the investment be too burdensome?