Boston to Portland Passenger Service
The work of preparing the Guilford Rail System track between Plaistow, New Hampshire (near Haverhill, Massachusetts) and Portland, Maine began last winter with engineering design of the required track layout and signal changes. The first actual construction commenced in early Spring as a track crew removed yard tracks and prepared to build a bypass or runaround track through Rigby Yard in South Portland. This track is necessary for the passage of the passenger train without causing any interference with freight train operations. The track itself is located in a portion of the old West Yard at Rigby.
Tie replacement has now begun in earnest as another crew is gearing up to install the first of some 98,000 new crossties. This is the initial part of the track upgrading which is required for the operation, and will be followed by new rail installation and surfacing. Perhaps the most difficult aspect of the track upgrade process is the obvious need to maintain the freight train operation such that customer needs are protected. This is being continually monitored and receives the highest priority.
Project Manager Tim Cobb has assembled a great team to manage this large task. The GUILFORD XPRESS will update the project news in future issues.