Re: (erielack) Single Track at Factoryville Tunnel?

["Paul Brezicki" <doctorpb_@_bellsouth.net>]

A bulletin was released by J H Kithcart, Sup't Scranton Div'n, on 10-3-1974. 
It begins as follows:

"Effective Oct 8, 1974 ACX-99 will run via Scranton Division and pick up UPS 
traffic at Scranton. Arrangements have been made with MofW to keep tunnel 
open until 0830 hrs so as to get this train through same. ATSF-100 will also 
operate starting this date via Scranton Division. The tunnel should be 
opened in the near future."

The UPS traffic referred to originated at Allentown and possibly Baltimore. 
New England UPS trailers did not shift from the Port Jervis ramp until 8-75. 
The tunnel could accomodate tall trailers on standard height flats (17'0") 
prior to the collapse. The singling under the crown was done to accomodate 
loaded trilevels (18'4") and hy-cube boxcars; these were also up to 17'0" 
tall but were 2' wider than a trailer so required extra clearance at the 
top. This is also why hy-cubes to and from the Ford plant at Green Island NY 
on D&H were routed via Jeff Jct while trailers could get through Belden 
tunnel.

Paul B

Matt

I didn't see a response to your question from any one else, so let me state
a few known facts via the EL digest, and Tri States, publication the  Block
Line.

The 3600 foot long tunnel collapsed on July 18, 1974.   The  tunnel was open
for limited use Aug 5, but continued repairs went on till Oct  5.   On Oct 8
the Superintendent toured the sight.  Because of  extensive  uncompleted
clearance work east of Dover the immediate rerouting  of most freight back 
to the
Scranton side was put on hold.  Published  reports indicate that the tunnel 
was
single tracked for clearance purposes  immediately after the collapse.

Bob Bahrs




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