Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Stalled

Construction on the railroad has taken a winter hiatus. While the area has not had much snow, the land has been wet and muddy. The work area has been cold and it has been windy. Were the builders being paid the customary 37 cents per hour(1896 prices), work may have been progressing despite the weather. However, all is not lost.

Railroad ties have been moved from an earlier storage area to the actual work site for track construction as have the rails which were stored along side. Now everything is in place to renew construction with the warmer weather. Other projects have been continuing at a reduced pace, but continuing none the less. Car and truck construction have been going on as has completion of the construction area. Next come a couple of grade crossings, layout for a turntable and grading for new track both east and west. Once the location for the next switch is reached, track can connect the work area with the main line. Superintendent expects this to happen this spring.