Nearly four weeks ago Hurricane Irene swept across RailAmerica-operated NECR, which stretches from the Canadian border near St. Albans, VT, to New London, CT. Railroad crews discovered the extent of damage on August 30 and quickly restored service to NECR’s north end between Burlington and Swanton, VT, and its south end between White River Junction, VT, and New London, CT.
But things were different on the NECR’s mid-section, roughly White River Junction to Essex Junction, VT, where Irene downed trees, washed out track and knocked down bridges. Damage was especially severe across six miles of rail line near Roxbury, VT. Rail service through the Roxbury area was restored on September 19. The NECR arranged for some shipments to move via detour trains and alternative routes while the Roxbury section of the railroad was out of service.
It took a team of close to 90 people and 15,000 tons of ballast to restore rail service on the NECR. “We appreciate our colleagues’ hard work, our customers’ patience and the cooperation of our connecting carriers” said John E. Giles, RailAmerica President and Chief Executive Officer. “I am especially proud of the fact that our professional railroaders handled this incredible job both quickly and safely.”
The NECR worked closely with the Vermont Agency of Transportation to coordinate the work, gain access to otherwise closed state roads and perform emergency repairs. Several railroads in the region, including Canadian National, Pan Am Southern, Amtrak, and Providence & Worcester provided much needed equipment to transport large volumes of rock and fill. Local Vermont vendors worked tirelessly to provide support in the form of crushing stone for ballast, trucking, and railroad contract services. “We greatly appreciate everyone’s efforts and team spirit” said Charles Hunter, RailAmerica AVP of Government Affairs.
