Indiana Southern extension to Edwardsport?

[marko]

Just wondering if there was any more news on Indiana Southern extending the line from Sandborn to Edwardsport for the new clean coal plant. It seems fairly easy to do that following the old abandoned Pennsy Indy-Vincennes line. Considering how much that plant is costing the rail extension would be relatively cheap.
 I can't imagine that they would want to use trucks to haul all of that.

[speedyd]

There where rumors of them put rail back on the old IV line. I have some sources checking on this. Their are two pieces of equipment being built in France for the new power plant. I was told that they are to heavy to be moved by highway. IS does also have a track to the East of Edwardsport. It may be possible to move the equipment by rail to Plainville and then move the equipment 6 miles west to Edwardsport by highway.

[rrnut282]

It seems fairly easy to do that following the old abandoned Pennsy Indy-Vincennes line. Considering how much that plant is costing the rail extension would be relatively cheap.
 

That may be why you haven't heard much about it.  Rail service is just an afterthought.  "Oh, yah, I guess we need that, too."

[CIOR]

That may be why you haven't heard much about it.  Rail service is just an afterthought.  "Oh, yah, I guess we need that, too."

and generally a cheap item in the big picture. To them anyway.

[CSX2605]

I know that discussions have taken place with landowners but not sure how far the RR is in aquiring the land back. I am talking to people and when I find out I will post it here. I thought of starting a thread on this so thanks for initiating the subject. I heard there were 65 bridges involved in transporting the equipment from Evansville off a barge. Rail is the answer.

[marko]

I know a few years ago they put in some new ties on the section south of Beehunter, even some as far south as Sandborn. I wasn't aware that the mine had been closed that long. That line just seems like the logical choice, but who knows?

[blue2golf]

Any chance of some before and after pics if the line is restored?

[CSX2605]

I hope to get some. I still am trying to talk to someone to find out whats going on. Let you know when I find anything out.

[blue2golf]

.....Let you know when I find anything out.

Thank you.  There's just something about seeing a dead route come back to thundering life. 

[CSX2605]

I heard today there are 7 or 8 tracks to be built in the plant property. I would have to assume this line will come back to life! Blu, I am trying to get up there and get some before pics. Some of the bridges are falling into the ditches. Keep ya posted if I know anything more.

[CSX2605]

The line is going to be rebuilt!!

http://www.suncommercial.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=2&ArticleID=5300

[marko]

 It's definitely exciting. I used to work down in that area and can remember when they pulled those tracks up.

[CSX2605]

  I attended Duke's "thank you" picnic for the community on 5/9. Here are some things I found out. They need to purchase additional land rights along the route. The R of W will be about 100' wide but as grade and terrain vary, so will the width of R of W.

  The rail spur will be used to transport coal and a sulphur byproduct. This sulphur will need to be maintained at a hot temperature to keep it fluid and not solidify. This will require a specail tanker. About 3-4 tankers daily will be shipped out. If they get coal in by rail they will need about 3 or 4 trains a week of 75-100 cars. If trucks bring in the coal, they will need about 240 trucks per day. Thats 10 trucks per hour. Heavens sake I hope they use rail or I will never travel that way again! 

  I don't know how much of the plant equipment will come in by rail so stay tuned to the Bull Session and see what happens next! Should be some interesting traffic  on the INRD & ISRR over the next few years. Duke is planning on a 2012 start up.

[blue2golf]

Yep, good news indeed.  (Don't forget those before and after pics  )

[sataraid1]

Now if we could just get Hawthorne reopened. That'd make for an easy short haul.

[buckeyehoosier]

I'm planning a trip from Kentucky next month to photograph whatever I can see from Beehunter to Edwardsport and am excited about what I'll find as I've never been to this area before.  When was this line removed?


Dave

[speedyd]

The Big Bear mine that will open near south side of Dugger is part of the adjoining property of Hawthorne

[CSX2605]

I'm planning a trip from Kentucky next month to photograph whatever I can see from Beehunter to Edwardsport and am excited about what I'll find as I've never been to this area before.  When was this line removed?


Dave

I believe around 1985. From Bicknell to Vincennes was removed around 1978. I visited the public library two weeks ago and copied several articles about the Pennsy line from Sanborn to Vincennes. Just have'nt had time to get all the info compiled and put on this topic. Will try to get it done within the next seven days or so. Stay tuned to this channel for further updates.    When the kids are out of school I will have more time! 

[buckeyehoosier]

I'll be kicking around there on the 13th of June. Planning on hitting Seymour, Bedford then up to Gasport and work our way down Rte67 from there. I love old architecture so am hoping there will be plenty to see.

BTW: Google maps shows cars being stored on the old Hawthorne lead, with what looks like an engine parked near a grade crossing at the mine itself. Are those roads on the south side of the retention pond public access or private?

[speedyd]

The aerial map must be old. The rail cars have been gone for a year, the engine ex SP unit was still their in January. I am not sure want you are talking about ponds, but you can drive on gravel roads though the old mine north to Ind 159 to Dugger. You can see the new Big Bear mine.