Track Works!
Several efforts to improve the operation have been completed within the past few months, which resulted in the extension of the construction season but with significant strengthening of the property. These are worthy of mention and underscore the commitment of Guilford Rail to CUSTOMER FOCUS.
A considerable effort was made in late Fall to eliminate slow orders on the Freight Main Line between Plaistow, NH and Rigby Yard through installation of 19,000 new crossties and surfacing of the track. This track, while adequate, had gradually suffered the effects of constant traffic and age, and it was determined that the time had come to accelerate the maintenance effort in order that track speeds might be sustained through the Winter months. A significant amount of stone ballast has now been installed and tamped, and the result has been improved transit time for all trains moving into and out of Maine.
Also on the Freight Main Line, a controlled passing track between Shelburne Falls and Buckland, Massachusetts, to the West of Greenfield, has added substantial flexibility to the dispatching of trains by splitting the 29 mile single track from Greenfield to Soapstone (near the
Hoosac Tunnel East Portal) into two segments. Recognizing the growth of traffic moving through the Mechanicville gateway and anticipating even greater traffic levels once the dissolution of Conrail is effective, the transportation staff determined that transit time could be dramatically improved for trains routed between New York and East Deerfield.
A track crew was dedicated to making much needed improvements in Lawrence Yard.
It is extremely difficult to perform heavy track maintenance under traffic without large costs, and a 24 hour yard operation cannot stand much interruption for maintenance without adversely affecting train service. Nevertheless, the decision was made and crossties and ballast in significant amounts were installed, switches were repaired and adjusted, and track was surfaced. Particular attention was paid to drainage, for that has always been a source of trouble during wet seasons. The improvement has had a positive impact on train operations.
Finally, two long tracks in the former West Yard at Rigby (South Portland) in Maine were upgraded and returned to service. These tracks had not been required in the operation for many years, and were not suitable for other than dead storage. However, the needs of the service called for an increase in active car storage capacity, and the required work was performed in late Summer, with the desired result.