D&H on LV tracks

[Jeremy Zella]

I recently found out that the D&H had intended to purchase the original LV tracks through the Lehigh Gorge and Lehigh Valley. Also, they had planned on purchasing what is now the C&F Secondary or obtaining trackage rights over it. What happened to the deal? Why did it not come to fruition? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Jeremy

[56-57]

Conrail tore up the C&F before the D&H could take any action.. No need to improve the competitors' position in regards to the Philly traffic..

As for as the Gorge, apparently CP was a bit pissed when Conrail sold the middle of the Lehigh Line to someone else..

Again, Conrail had no interest in strengthening CP's position in the Northeast.

-Micah

[Matt Langworthy]

CR apparently angered Norfolk Southern when they sold the tracks in the Lehigh Gorge, as well. The sale occurred in 1996, just as NS was planning to purchase CR. Conrail's management had become very paranoid due to the UP/SP and BNSF mergers, so they sold off or abandonned several non-core lines as quickly as possible. The former LV was not part of CR's "Big X" scheme, which made it ripe for sale.