Trip Report Streamliner Festival - Part 2 of 2

Received the following via email from Kermit Geary, Jr.  Text and photos are his.  
This is Part 2 of 2.  Part 1 is posted above. 

CSX Named Best Place to Work in IT for Second Consecutive Year

Received the following via email.

CSX Named Best Place to Work in IT for Second Consecutive Year

Jacksonville, Fla. - June 23, 2014 - For the second year in a row, CSX has been named a "Best Place to Work in IT" by IDG's Computerworld. Ranked fifteenth among large companies, CSX improved its ranking from 2013 by four places, earning specific recognition for its commitment to excellence and quality in the IT workplace.

"At CSX, we believe that people make the difference," said Kathleen Brandt, president of CSX Technology. "The CSX Technology team supports the company's business goals by creating progressive technology solutions.  Our continued success is built on an engaged workforce and each employee's dedication to providing reliable information and technology solutions and excellent customer service."

The Best Places to Work in Information Technology (IT) list is an annual ranking of the top 100 work environments for technology professionals. The list is compiled based on a comprehensive questionnaire regarding company offerings in categories such as benefits, career development, training and retention. In addition, Computerworld conducts extensive surveys of IT workers, and their responses factor heavily in determining the rankings.

"Hiring the best and the brightest IT pros, offering them competitive pay and providing top-notch benefits is just the beginning for the outstanding employers on this year's Best Places to Work in IT list," said Scot Finnie, editor in chief of Computerworld. "Both newcomers to the list and rock-steady stalwarts nurture their talent with challenging business-critical projects, extensive training opportunities and ongoing career development programs."

The "Best Places to Work in IT" feature appears in the June 23rd issue of Computerworld and online at www.computerworld.com.

About CSX

CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For more than 185 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides. It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and small farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:

Melanie Cost

(904) 359-1702

CSX 2013 Corporate Social Responsibility Report Highlights Business, Safety, and Sustainability Commitments

Received the following via email.

CSX 2013 Corporate Social Responsibility Report Highlights Business, Safety, and Sustainability Commitments

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - June 23, 2014 - CSX Corporation (NYSE: CSX) today unveiled its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report, showing continued progress in 2013 on the company's safety, environmental and community engagement initiatives. The full report - accessible on www.CSXCSR.com - details the company's financial performance and offers a comprehensive look at the markets CSX serves as well as progress related to sustainability, governance, corporate citizenship, and other initiatives.

"Corporate Social Responsibility is at the core of CSX's identity and helps drive our business success," said Michael J. Ward, chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Our CSR performance is fundamental to our vision to be the safest, most progressive North American railroad, relentless in the pursuit of customer and employee excellence. This report reflects our commitment to maintain transparency and accountability to our customers, employees, shareholders and the communities we serve."

The fourth edition of the company's CSR report highlights key accomplishments in 2013, including:

- Remained the nation's safest railroad, with the lowest rates of employee injuries;

- Achieved the company's most fuel efficient year ever - CSX can move a ton of freight 470 miles on a single gallon of fuel;

- Progressed toward our goal to reduce the company's greenhouse gas emissions intensity between 6 and 8 percent from 2011 levels by 2020;

- Hired more than 2,300 employees, about 30 percent of whom are military veterans;

- Collaborated with customers to develop 121 new or expanded facilities on the network, representing $3 billion in customer investments and more than 1,600 new job opportunities;

- Provided more than $16 million in corporate giving to communities;

- Logged more than 25,000 hours of employee volunteer time;

- Partnered with national and local organizations, including City Year, Future Farmers of America, American Red Cross, Alliance for Community Trees, Action For Healthy Kids, The Nature Conservancy, National Safe Place and Dignity U Wear.

- Invested $2.3 billion back into its 21,000 mile network toward maintaining and improving its existing infrastructure and to position itself for long-term growth through expanding network and terminal capacity.

CSX's 2013 CSR report was prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G4 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines. GRI is a globally recognized reporting framework for environmental, social and governance performance. The content and direction of the report was informed, in part, by the issues considered most material to the company's stakeholders including employees, customers, investors, community and NGO partners, regulators and suppliers.

About CSX

CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For more than 185 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides. It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and small farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:

Kristin Seay

904-359-3442

Conrail N7E Caboose #21165 (ex-EL) in Fresh CR Blue

Received the following from Kermit Geary, Jr.  Text and photos are his.

Spent most of the day on Saturday (6-21-14) masking and preparing the CR 21165 for its final coat of black trim.  It rolled out of the shop that evening in FULL dress blue, White lettering, and Black trim.   Brian Alesin set up his flash units and a number of us took turns photographing it in its new REGAL paint scheme.  The car and the freight cars in front are owned by the CRHS. 

Today (6-22-14) on the High Bridge Branch

Received the following via email.  It appeared as a posting to CRRNJ on yahoogroups.com.

From: Gary Kazin 

The Land Conservancy of New Jersey held its third annual "Pedal for Preservation" bike ride on the Columbia Trail today. With beautiful weather, over 305 cyclists participated. The Califon station museum wasn't open, and there's no NJT service to High Bridge today, but the former High Bridge Branch was busy with cyclists, dog-walkers, hikers, and equestrians.  

16 pictures on Shutterfly 

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0IZtHLZw1aMWYb 

It was worth waking up early...

(Train sightings on 6-22-14.)

...to be trackside for this colorful lashup on Sunday morning along CSX's Trenton Line (TL) in Manville, NJ. Via the Internet, I saw where there was a train of empty tank cars coming north on the TL making their way back to the midwest to transport another load of oil east. What made this train unique was the motive power. CREX 1214 (GE ES44AC) and CREX 6005 (EMD SD60; ex-SOO 6005) made for a very colorful duo as it passed by my location at TL MP 56. From a historical prespective, this was where Manville's former Reading station was once located. During the Conrail era, this track location was referred to as CP WESTON. 

Association of American Railroads Awards CSX Employee Top Environmental Honor

Received the following via email. 

Association of American Railroads Awards CSX Employee Top Environmental Honor

U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski Also Recognized for Long Record of Environmental Stewardship

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - June 19, 2014 - The Association of American Railroads (AAR) bestowed its highest environmental honor, the John H. Chafee Environmental Excellence Award, on CSX's Chris Durden last night at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. The annual award recognizes railroad employees for outstanding environmental awareness and responsibility. Durden is the eighth CSX employee and first-ever intermodal representative to win the award, which is named for the late Rhode Island senator who devoted his career to protecting the environment.

Sen. Barbara Mikulski also was honored with the 2014 John H. Chafee Congressional Environmental Award, recognizing her decades of leadership on environmental issues in her home state of Maryland, where she has led efforts to protect the Chesapeake Bay by restoring water quality, habitats and fisheries.

"Chris Durden leads a team that brings a unique understanding of the value of sustainable development for improving efficiency when building state-of-the-art intermodal facilities," said Wilby Whitt, president, CSX Intermodal Terminals. "Chris's commitment to further raising environmental awareness and including sustainability features within building design has contributed to CSX's success, and this award is a testament to his dedication."

As the leader of CSX Intermodal Terminals' team overseeing terminal planning, engineering and construction, Durden has successfully orchestrated the completion of intermodal rail terminals across the CSX network, including the award-winning Northwest Ohio Intermodal Facility and terminals in Central Florida and Massachusetts.

Durden's team maintains superior performance with a focus on the company's responsibility to the surrounding community, environment and wildlife. His teams implement industry-leading design features that combine operational efficiency with environmental responsibility, including electric wide-span cranes that operate with zero air emissions and regenerate 60 percent of their power back to the terminal electric grid; driveway and parking surfaces that reduce the heat island effect and stormwater runoff; solar photovoltaic panels that provide energy to buildings; and LED high-mast light towers that reduce energy consumption and maintenance costs.

"Senator Mikulski and Chris Durden both embody the dedication necessary to ensure our environment is preserved and protected for generations to come," said Edward R. Hamberger, president and CEO, Association of American Railroads. "Chris's achievements showcase what is possible when railroad professionals make sustainability a top priority. He consistently leads teams that find new ways to reduce environmental impact and improve the quality of life in communities served by the freight rail network. We are pleased to recognize him with the John H. Chafee Award, and appreciate his contributions."

Durden's performance showcases CSX's commitment to sustainability, which affects every decision the company makes. CSX has invested $1.75 billion in fuel-efficient locomotives and technologies over the last decade, and is making strides towards its voluntary goal to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 6 to 8 percent by 2020. Through transportation solutions such as intermodal shipping, CSX is helping customers reduce costs, fuel consumption, highway congestion and carbon emissions.

About CSX

CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For more than 185 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides. It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and small farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:

Melanie Cost

(904) 359-1702

Black River & Western's first caboose hop of the season!

(Train sightings on 6-21-14.)

Saturday's excursion from Ringoes (NJ) to Three Bridges was advertised as having BR&W's #60 as the motive power to kick off the first of five caboose hops. Alas, #60 had a mechanical problem and that meant LV 112 would serve as the substitute power on this first excursion of the season. LV 112 is seen approaching the Foster Lane grade crossing with a Wabash, Erie, B&O cabooses and the John L. Bishop Club Car as its consist. 

CSX Names Brian Hammock Resident VP of Maryland and Delaware State Government Affairs

Received the following via email. 

CSX Names Brian Hammock Resident Vice President of Maryland and Delaware State Government Affairs

Jacksonville, Fla. - June 17, 2014 - CSX Corporation (NYSE: CSX) today announced the appointment of Brian W. Hammock as resident vice president of state government affairs, based in Baltimore, Maryland.

Reporting to Bryan M. Rhode, regional vice president, state government and community affairs, Hammock will oversee the company's interactions with executive and legislative branches as well as community officials in Maryland and Delaware.

"Brian is an exceptional addition to our team. He brings years of experience and knowledge of Maryland communities, as well as their representatives and interests," said Rhode. "That background will be invaluable as we work to enhance CSX's business and the benefits it delivers to our customers and communities across Maryland and Delaware."

Before joining CSX, Hammock worked as an attorney for Venable, LLP, in Baltimore and served on the board of directors for the Canton Railroad Company. Prior to joining Venable, he served in the Office of Governor Martin O'Malley as a senior advisor and special assistant to the chief of staff. He has also served as deputy campaign director and field director for Governor O'Malley, and managed a campaign for Howard County Executive Ken Ulman. After joining the private sector in 2011, he was appointed to the Governor's Task Force on Sustainable Growth and Wastewater Disposal. He also has served on the board of trustees for the Maryland Historical Society since 2011.

Hammock holds a juris doctorate degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law, as well as a bachelor's degree from Towson University.

About CSX

CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For more than 185 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides. It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and small farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:

Rob Doolittle 202-626-4939

CSX Announces Dates For Earnings Release and Second-Quarter Earnings Call

Received the following via email.

CSX Corporation Announces Dates For Earnings Release and Second-Quarter Earnings Call

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., (June 18, 2014) - CSX Corporation (NYSE: CSX) will release second-quarter financial and operating results on Tuesday, July 15, 2014, after the market close.

The company will host an earnings conference call at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 via teleconference and a live audio webcast.

Those interested in participating via teleconference may dial 1-888-327-6279 (1-888-EARN-CSX) and ask for the CSX earnings call. Callers outside the U.S. dial 1-773-756-0199.  Participants should dial in 10 minutes prior to the call.

Presentation materials and access to the audio webcast will be available on the company's website at http://investors.csx.com. Following the earnings call, a webcast replay and an MP3 audio file will be archived on the company's website.

About CSX

CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company.  It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products.  For more than 185 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development.  Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides.  It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and small farming towns alike.  More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX

) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:

David Baggs, Investor Relations

904-359-4812

Melanie Cost, Corporate Communications

904-359-1702

NS-Operation Lifesaver safety train promotes public safety in Delaware and Pennsylvania

Received the following via email.

June 20, 2014 

Norfolk Southern-Operation Lifesaver safety train promotes public safety in Delaware and Pennsylvania 

HARRISBURG, PA. - Norfolk Southern and Operation Lifesaver are bringing their Whistle-Stop safety train tour to Delaware and eastern and central Pennsylvania to stress the importance of public safety around railroad tracks.

The Keystone Whistle-Stop Safety Train starts in Delaware on Monday, June 23, and by Thursday, June 26, the train will have transited through communities such as Harrington, Dover, Newark, Pottstown, Reading, Lebanon, Harrisburg, Lewistown, Altoona, and Latrobe.

Since January 2011, Delaware has experienced 17 train vs. vehicle incidents at highway-rail grade crossings, and one pedestrian has been struck.

Over the same period, Pennsylvania has experienced 185 train vs. vehicle incidents. Between January and March 2014 alone, 21 incidents have occurred, compared with 9 during the same period in 2013. During this decade in Pennsylvania, 108 people have died while trespassing on railroad property and another 102 were injured.

"There is no more important time than now for public safety officials and entire communities to learn how people can stay safe and alive around railroad tracks and other property," said Cayela Wimberly, NS' grade crossing safety director.

"We need a strong partnership between the railroad companies and the communities to keep the public safe near railroad tracks, bridges, yards, and grade crossings," added Thomas Algatt, state coordinator for Operation Lifesaver in Pennsylvania. "We need parents, educators, neighbors, railfans, and friends to spread the word - stay away from tracks, stay away from trains, stay safe, and stay alive. And we're going to talk on the Keystone Whistle-Stop Safety Train about how you can have that conversation with the people you care about."

The train includes two NS locomotives with the Operation Lifesaver logo displayed on their flanks, two vintage passenger cars, the NS Exhibit Car, and the NS Research and Test car. Passengers will include railroaders, Operation Lifesaver representatives, public safety advocates, and news media, all of who will observe via live video the train crew's point-of-view as the train moves on the track and approaches grade crossings.

It's the third such trip this year for Norfolk Southern and Operation Lifesaver on the NS network. A fourth trip is scheduled in Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri later this summer.

Operation Lifesaver (www.oli.org) is a national nonprofit safety organization whose mission is to end collisions, deaths, and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings and along railroad rights of way.

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal, automotive, and industrial products.

###

Pennsylvania Operation Lifesaver contact:

Thomas Algatt, 717-620-9788 (coordinator@oliofpa.org)

Norfolk Southern contacts:

(Media) Dave Pidgeon, 717-541-2247 (david.pidgeon@nscorp.com)

(Investors) Katie Cook, 757-629-2861 (InvestorRelations@nscorp.com)

NJT's RVL: Next stop is Annandale (NJ)

(Train sightings on 5-30-14.)  
NJT = New Jersey Transit and RVL = Raritan Valley Line   

Not many photographs are taken of NJT’s current Annandale “station” at RVL MP 50.4 since all that exists is a nondescript small shelter! The original station was designed by Bradford L.Gilbert and built between 1889 and 1900. That station would fall victim to a fire which burned it down in 1934.The replacement station was a modular unit brought in by train and assembled by 1935. That station would last until 1983 when it was razed. Currently the seventy-seven car NJT parking lot here has eradicated any traces of the structure that once stood here. NJT Train 5176 is seen here on May 30, 2014 as it heads east. When would the track in the foreground be used? During my trips here, I cannot recall seeing a train use that track.

Regarding the track in the foreground, your blogger's sources inform us that it is part of a controlled siding from MP 52.1 (High Bridge/Arch) to MP 49.7 (Clinton) with the Annandale station at MP 50.4.  This siding is used for passing of "live" trains and dead-head moves, although I suspect the actual passing is not done in the station. 

NJT's RVL: Next stop is White House Station!

(Train sightings on 5-30-14.) 

White House Station is located on NJT's (New Jersey Transit) Raritan Valley Line (RVL) at MP 44.2. On August 5th, 1972, CNJ freight BJ-4 is east bound and approaching the Main Street grade crossing in town. Judging from what can be seen of the station, it certainly seems to have seen better days! 

Fast forward to May 30. 2014 when NJT's 5170 is making a scheduled station stop before continuing its "one-seat" trip into New York at 9:32. Seven passengers would be boarding here. 

The White House Station seems a far cry from when the CNJ was traveling these rails. A plaque on the station's wall facing the track gives a brief history about this station. It states "...the CNJ, also enjoying a period of prosperity, commissioned noted architect Bradford L. Gilbert to design a new station. Gilbert chose a popular Victorian style, Richardson Romanesque, which is characterized by a heavy, rough-cut stone exterior, broad roof planes, deeply recessed arched window and door openings and the use of a variety of shapes and forms, such as a polygonal porch on the front of the building. Through citizen initiative and the New Jersey Transit Leasing Station Program, the station was restored to its original grandeur. On December 7, 1981, after seven months of dedicated community effort, White House Station opened its doors as Readington Township's first public library. White House Station was listed on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places in 1984."  

The library has a framed copy of a local newspaper's article telling the story of the station that makes for interesting reading. There are also some black and white photographs of the station and CNJ steam engines.  

Walking around the building, there is also a US Coast & Geodetic Survey Benchmark inserted into the building's stone wall. A benchmark is generally applied to any item used to mark a point as an elevation reference. I consider this rather unique since this is the first benchmark I have seen embedded in a building's wall.

75th Commemorative Wreck of Blue Comet

Received the following via email. 

75 TH COMMEMORATIVE

WRECK OF THE BLUE COMET

SATURDAY AUGUST 16, 2014   9:00-4:00

JOIN THE WOODLAND TOWNSHIP HISTORICAL SOCIETY, CHATSWORTH, NJ IN A TOWN WIDE EVENT.

For your donation of $5.00 you will receive a blue rubber wristband "The Blue Comet".

Your day begins at the White Horse Inn, 3980 County Rd. 563, Main Street, Chatsworth, NJ 08019. Displays, a self guided tour, speakers and lunch are all within walking distance. Parking will be in the field across from White Horse Inn.  Coffee and snacks for morning break, as well as lunch, will be available at the firehouse, which will be serving some items from the Blue Comet’s menu.  Hot Diggity Dog serves refreshments outside on Main Street and Buzby's Chatsworth General Store is open for Pinelands gifts.  A collectible coin will also be available for purchase throughout the day.

                                           ALL  ABOARD !

Ontario, Canada: CN, CP, VIA + Summer Solstice Nichols Road Notice for June 21

Received the following set of pictures via a chain of emails.  These photos were taken by John Soehner a year ago in the area of Nichols Road, east of Toronto, Canada.  To find this location, visit the following railfan site and scroll down to Newtonville Ontario.  http://www.trainweb.org/railsintoronto/stone.html 

In his email, John provided the following text:  

Just a reminder of the Hobo Beans and Diesel Dawgs Summer Solstice at Nichols Road, Newtonville Road area. That's June 21, 2014!

 

 

CSX Applauds Release of Final Environmental Impact Statement for Virginia Avenue Tunnel Reconstruction Project

Received the following via email.  

More info on this project in Washington, DC, following the CSX announcement.

CSX Applauds Release of Final Environmental Impact Statement for Virginia Avenue Tunnel Reconstruction Project

Path Forward Incorporates Community Feedback and Addresses Concerns

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - June 13, 2014 - CSX applauds the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) for advancing the reconstruction of CSX's Virginia Avenue Tunnel in a way that responds to community concerns in the project's design and construction plan. The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) issued today by FHWA and DDOT identifies the preferred alternative for construction, "Alternative 3 - Two New Tunnels." Specific details of the alternative are available via a FHWA/DDOT fact sheet at www.virginiaavenuetunnel.com.

CSX is proposing to spend hundreds of millions of company dollars to reconstruct this 110-year old tunnel, to move people and goods more efficiently for the benefit of commuters and businesses in the District and throughout the region. The release of the FEIS is a critical step forward to modernize the country's aging infrastructure in a way that promotes the safety and well-being of local neighbors.

"The preferred alternative is the direct result of years of community input during the environmental review process. It addresses community concerns and prioritizes neighborhood safety and security during construction. Under this plan, construction is expected to take approximately 30 to 42 months and trains will run in an enclosed tunnel in front of residences," said Louis Renjel, vice president, strategic infrastructure initiatives. "Today's announcement means CSX and the Virginia Avenue community can focus our ongoing discussions on a single potential construction plan, discuss the potential impacts of that plan, and share information about the many things CSX would do to minimize those impacts."

CSX's efforts to minimize the impact of construction would include actions that would be naturally a part of the construction plan; additional actions CSX would take during construction to minimize impacts; and actions CSX would take after construction to help enhance the Virginia Avenue neighborhood.

"CSX has a strong track record of working in a way that respects our neighbors. We look forward to continuing to talk with the Virginia Avenue community and public officials as we fulfill our commitments: to make safety our top priority during and after construction; to minimize the impacts of construction on local residents and businesses; and to collaborate with the community on enhancements that help make a great neighborhood even better," said Renjel.

Under the preferred alternative construction plan, CSX would be required to take certain actions to reduce the impact from construction, including:

* Limiting construction hours;

* Controlling dust at the construction site to maintain air quality;

* Reducing construction noise and vibration by creating physical barriers, choosing less noisy construction techniques, and doing noise and vibration monitoring;

* Working with District Department of Transportation to monitor and maintain traffic flow around the construction site as necessary to reduce impact;

* Providing compensation to the residents who are impacted the most - the residents directly next to the project - and to Virginia Avenue Tunnel neighborhood organizations, to minimize construction impacts as the residents and organizations choose.

CSX would also make enhancements to the new streetscape to complement the other development in the neighborhood. That effort would include reconstructing Virginia Avenue and other affected areas, including Virginia Avenue Park and the Marine Corps Recreation Facility, to a standard higher than before construction. In addition, the FEIS requires significant actions and investments by CSX, including:

* Improving access to Garfield Park for wheelchair-dependent individuals;

* Building a continuous bike path between 2nd and 9th Streets connecting Garfield Park and Virginia Avenue Park;

* Straightening the alignment of Virginia Avenue SE within the 400 block to be consistent with the original L'Enfant Plan;

* Improving the traffic lane configuration between 5th/6th and 8th Streets to provide safer and calmer traffic conditions; and

* Installing landscaping and improved street lighting, traffic signals and crosswalks.

The FEIS is available for review for 30 days before an official decision is released, and can be downloaded from www.virginiaavenuetunnel.com. A public meeting will also be held on July 1, 2014, at the Capitol Skyline Hotel, 10 Eye Street SW, Washington, DC 20024. The meeting will include a presentation on the details about construction and will include a brief time to ask questions of the project team. 

About CSX

CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For more than 185 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides. It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and small farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:

Melanie Cost

(904) 359-1702

melanie_cost@csx.com

Here is a brief description of this project taken from http://www.virginiaavenuetunnel.com/project-area/ , which also has a couple of pictures of the project area.  

Where is the Project Located?  

The Virginia Avenue Tunnel is located immediately beneath Virginia Avenue in southeast DC for approximately 4,000 feet and contains a single track. The tunnel is bound by 2nd Street SE near the southern portal and 11th Street SE near the northern portal. The south portal portion of the work will join with the New Jersey Avenue Track Lowering project. From the start of construction, current estimates predict that the project will take three years to complete from the start of construction work.

In addition to re-installing the second track, the height of the tunnel roof will be raised to allow for double-stack intermodal container trains. Also, there may be some lowering of the tracks as part of this project. However due to rail grade, potential water intrusion, close proximity to the Anacostia River and challenges with sewer lines that run under this area, there is a very limited distance that the tracks can be lowered.

This project may necessitate the temporary closure of a section of Virginia Avenue while the construction is underway; however, all cross streets will be open for the majority of the project to ensure the least amount of disturbance to local residents. Additionally, these improvements to the Virginia Avenue Tunnel will reduce air pollution and improve the overall quality of life for residents.

Club Car Seating Now Available On The June 21 Caboose Hop

Received the following via email from the Black River & Western Railroad, Ringoes, NJ.  

Club Car Seating Now Available! (June 21 Only)

In order to accommodate extra passengers we have added our club car, the "John L Bishop" to the June 21 Caboose Hop. This train will travel from Ringoes Station to Three Bridges and back, and will be pulled by steam locomotive #60! Departure time from Ringoes is 5:30 PM this Saturday and reservations are required. Tickets are $15 per passenger age 3 and up. Kids under 3 are free and do not need a ticket. Seats are selling fast - don't miss this chance!

Caboose Hop Club Car Seating Saturday June 21, 2014 Ride in our club car, the "John L Bishop" all the way from Ringoes to Three Bridges and back! Reservations required. Your car will be attached to the "Caboose Hop" train departing Ringoes at 5:30 PM.

Readin' Railroad Story Time - 2014 Enjoy a round-trip excursion between Flemington and Ringoes, and the Conductor will narrate a popular children's book. Kids can follow along with their own copy of the book! Reservations required. "A" tickets are Adult tickets (age 12+). "C" tickets are Child tickets (under age 12). Make sure you consider how many books you want when choosing which tickets to purchase. Only tickets that indicate "1 book" in their description include a book!

The Great Train Robbery - 2014 Sunday September 14, 2014 Keep a watchful eye on your fellow passengers during your round-trip ride between Flemington and Ringoes - you never know who may be a member of the dreaded Covered Bridge Gang! Geared towards younger children, our Great Train Robbery features members of the Covered Bridge Gang taking control of the train only to be apprehended by the Sheriff with the help of his young deputies!

Trip Report 5-26-2014

Received the following via email from Kermit Geary, Jr.  Text and photos are his.

Woke up to a brilliant summer day in Williamson, WV....and NO TRAINS 
running!!!  Continued east on WV 49, following the N&W main the best as 
possible through Lobata, where we found on old ex-Southern GP-30,  Matewan, 
WV and into Iaeger, WV.  Found a train switching in the yard, but it didn't 
appear to be anywhere near ready to depart.  Also found one of the many 
remaining coaling towers that still exist on the railroad, as well as the 
Iaeger, WV police department!!  (no, they were not interested in our 
activities!!)  Continued to follow a very 'dead' (operationally speaking) 
main into Bluefield, WV/VA.  Was surprised at just how barren the yard and 
shops were...nothing like they were when the N&W 1218 was running in the 
area.  Finally found a loaded coal train preparing to depart for Roanoke, 
and headed to Oakvale, WV and shot it passing the Methodist Church there. 
Chased it to Glen Lyn, VA and then headed for Christianburg, VA.  Saw a 
light engine heading east, otherwise it was quiet.  On to Montgomery Tunnel 
where we found a manifest that had suffered an engine malfunction with their 
Dash 9-44C.  Heard on the radio that they were going to be over-taken by 
another train, so we set up a shot under the I-81 bridge.  Then on to 
Roanoke, VA and the Yard at Shaffer's Crossing where among the lines of 
stored C-44-9W's and lease return GP38's,  we found the SDP-45 from Conrail 
in rough, but blue paint.  Then it was over to the shops where we found the 
two system unique units 8500 & 8501 sitting outside. 

Thomas Talks! Visiting Phillipsburg this July!

Received the following via email from The Delaware River Railroad Excursions, Phillipsburg, NJ.

July 11,12,13,14,18,19,20  2014

Thomas Talks for the very first time! Phillipsburg NJ July 11,12,13,18,19,20 BUY TICKETS

Thomas The Tank EngineT to visit July 11,12,13,18,19,20 and will speak directly to fans in Phillipsburg for the very first time!  Children will get the thrill of their lives when Thomas the Tank EngineT steams across the country this year. When Thomas arrives at Phillipsburg for the Day Out with ThomasT: The Thrill of the Ride Tour 2014, he will not only take his fans for a ride, but also talk to them for the very first time on the tour! The event, which takes place July 11,12,13 18.19 20, 2014, will be hosted by The Delaware River Railroad Excursions and presented by HIT Entertainment and sponsored by MEGA Brands, a leading toy company, and all inclusive Hard Rock Hotels. Day Out with Thomas: The Thrill of the Ride Tour 2014 is a fun-filled event that provides children of all ages the opportunity to climb aboard and take a ride with Thomas as well as participate in Thomas & Friends themed activities. The tour, now in its 19th year, will make stops in 42 U.S. cities and is expected to welcome nearly one million passengers in 2014. For 2 back-to-back weekends, little engineers and their families are invited to take a 25 minute ride on their favorite engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt®, Controller of the Railway and enjoy a day of Thomas & Friends themed activities including arts & crafts, storytelling and more. The Delaware River Railroad Excursions will also offer great family themed entertainment and musical acts all day long. Thomas the Tank Engine rides depart every hour, rain or shine. Departure times begin at 10 am through 5 pm each day of the event. Tickets for the Day Out With Thomas: The Thrill of the Ride Tour2014 are $20.00 plus tax for ages two and up. Tickets are on sale now by calling toll-free 866.468.7630 or logging onto www.877trainride.com. For more information and directions, contact the Delaware River Railroad Excursions at 877-train-ride or 877trainride.com Thomas the Tank Engine is star of Thomas & Friends® making tracks to great destinations on PBS KIDS® and Sprout®. Along with his engine friends, Thomas captivates children in more than 145 countries and 30 languages. The #1 blue engine and his friends invite children to enter a world of imagination through the tracks of a train and the words of a story. To date, 200 million Thomas & Friends books and e-books have been sold and the CGI-animated Thomas & Friends series is more popular than ever, rating as one of the top programs for children ages 2 to 5. About The Delaware River Railroad Excursions The New York Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society Inc. was formed in the fall of 1988 by several longtime observers of the railroad who felt that there was a need for an organization to preserve the history of the "Susquehanna, its ancestor corporations and the rich railroading history of New Jersey. Since that time, the Society has grown to over 550 members from 30 states, Canada and New Zealand. The society is incorporated in the state of New Jersey as a non-profit educational organization. It is also recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt organization, as defined in section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The society operates the Delaware River Railroad Excursion home of New Jersey's only operating Steam Locomotive. The Delaware River Railroad Excursions is run entirely by volunteers and is now in its 11th year of operation bringing close to 100,000 visitors a year to its beautiful grounds on the Delaware River in Phillipsburg, New Jersey.