Union Pacific near Oostburg, Wisconsin. https://www.sheboyganpress.com/pict...n-derails-north-downtown-oostburg/5381331002/ The one head on telephoto, I know exaggerates condition. But I can see some ties which appear to be deeply plate cut, and a few which might (ends sticking up, often the reason why) even be broken. Has me wondering if the line (ex-C&NW) is in need of some TLC to handle such tonnage.
Wonder if that has become a feeder spur downrated main to the power station and some industry? N of Sheboygan the line is dead.
Of course they are. There are better places to spend the money now that the shipper is ending service. The rail line will be spun off or abandoned.
Via Google found the proposed closure date is end of 2022. Considering that there could be another two winters worth of hardship on the line's structure, IF maintenance is already being deferred, this could set up conditions for another such incident.
The Santa Fe has already defferred track work on the coal lines here in Montana and North Dakota. Top track speed is now 40 from Laurel, MT to Mandan, ND with many slow orders in place. And there are still at least a dozen or more coal trains a week. And many grain trains, manifest, oil cans, vehicle racks and such using the track. So, in the interest of quarterly numbers . . . .
Deferred maintenance on such a heavy coal route? A route where double loads are now being sent east? Sounds like a recipe for disaster.
And maybe I will hear about it and get it on video after the fact. Or even better, during the derailment! Would be neat, as long as noone gets hurt.