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(erielack) CPR Looking for Alternatives in Key Pennsylvania Route

On the 30th anniversary of the EL's demise, it's sad to read that the days
of one of it's landmark structures may be numbered. Coincidentally there's a
2 page contemporary photo of it in May "Trains" which arrived yesterday, and
it looks like it could use some maintenance. I wonder how much of a factor
the "uneven wear" caused by the off-center track has been. You'd think they
would have considered that when the route was singled in the 60's; obviously
it would have been OOS for a week or two, but trains could have detoured on
the D&H (like they did after the 1974 Factoryville tunnel collapse), a route
being considered as an alternative. Or was this another case of ex-Erie
folks regarding all things DL&W as expendable? It appears that this superbly
engineered route will eventually join the NJ cutoff in oblivion.

Paul B

From: Joshua <elsdp45_@_yahoo.com>
Subject: (erielack) FWD:  CPR Looking for Alternatives in Key Pennsylvania
Route

Albany, NY

Facing structural concerns with a major bridge,
Canadian Pacific Railway is seeking alternatives on
its key route to crucial Harrisburg and Philadelphia
markets.  This historical Nicholson Viaduct, also
called the Tunkhannock Creek Viaduct was completed in
1915 by the DL&W Railroad.  When it was completed the
2,375 long, 240' high bridge was the largest concrete
bridge in the world, and remains one the longest
today.  Now, nearing one hundred years since its
construction, there are serious concerns over the
condition of the bridge.  Formerly double tracked, the
single track remaining is off center and creating
uneven wear.  A spring project will see the realigned
to the center.  Although constantly monitored and
inspected, the decay of the bridge has rapidly
accelerated in recent years forcing CPR to consider an
alternate route, as construction of a new bridge would
be cost prohibitive.  One alternative is original
route of the railroad through the area, which today's
Pennsylvania State Route 11.  The state of
Pennsylvania is very interested in the preservation of
the bridge, and vehicular traffic would be much less
wear and tear.  Another alternative is rebuilding the
right of the way of the former New York, Ontario, and
Western between Sidney, NY and Carbondale, PA, but not
likely due to encroachment on the right of way.  The
most preferred alternative is rebuilding the original
route of CPR predecessor Delaware & Hudson Railway
between Nineveh and Carbondale, PA.  With a few minor
exceptions, much of the original right of way remains
intact.  CPR employees and surveying firms are in the
midst of inspecting the route.



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