Yes it’s railbanked. Chestnut Ridge owns the right of way a while after that point even crossing lower smith gap. Technically the crossing is still there and active despite tracks not being there for decades.
It used to be if you pulled the rails up the government considered it abandoned and ownership reverts to original property owners, conversely, leave tracks in place, even OoS, there was tax implications. Government finally learned that under these circumstances if you lose a rail line you are never getting it back, new industry will look elsewhere. Rail banking allows you to not use the railroad, pull the rails, convert it to a rail trail, and have the ability to in the future say "laying rail, back in business" without tax penalties or environmental groups suing to stop. Essentially the roadbed can be converted to public use, but restored to rail service anytime the railroad desires. It's a great idea I think. I haven't heard this was banked but could be wrong.
Years ago the CHRR would store covered hoppers at end of line at the fairgrounds, but from the looks of the tree growth I'd say they haven't in a while.
Is the covered bridge still near the end of of track at Little Gap ?? A company called North American Refractories loaded sand there a couple times a year through at least the late 1970's.
New Jersey Zinc used Also S2 diesel switchers for in plant operations at their Hazard, Pa plant. Chestnut Ridge Railway used 5 Alco S2 switchers and a Mack Railbus.
An interesting place to run some trackage. Who knows maybe way back when a traveling Carnival train or even public Excursion to there may have graced these rails. We had a section of Milwaukee Road track that sat dormant for 15 plus yours and then some transportation agencies put money towards it and it's once again part of a through-line
I am betting they want to keep the track rights for future use.
When they make this into light manufacturing
Love seeing old railroad tracks
🚂🚂🚂
Ghost track maybe 🦊
Wood stock 2024 yup
Yes it’s railbanked. Chestnut Ridge owns the right of way a while after that point even crossing lower smith gap. Technically the crossing is still there and active despite tracks not being there for decades.
It used to be if you pulled the rails up the government considered it abandoned and ownership reverts to original property owners, conversely, leave tracks in place, even OoS, there was tax implications. Government finally learned that under these circumstances if you lose a rail line you are never getting it back, new industry will look elsewhere. Rail banking allows you to not use the railroad, pull the rails, convert it to a rail trail, and have the ability to in the future say "laying rail, back in business" without tax penalties or environmental groups suing to stop. Essentially the roadbed can be converted to public use, but restored to rail service anytime the railroad desires. It's a great idea I think. I haven't heard this was banked but could be wrong.
Years ago the CHRR would store covered hoppers at end of line at the fairgrounds, but from the looks of the tree growth I'd say they haven't in a while.
Great day for a hike, have fun.
👉 Chestnut Ridge Railway was featured in May 1979 Railfan & Railroad.
Is the covered bridge still near the end of of track at Little Gap ?? A company called North American Refractories loaded sand there a couple times a year through at least the late 1970's.
New Jersey Zinc used Also S2 diesel switchers for in plant operations at their Hazard, Pa plant. Chestnut Ridge Railway used 5 Alco S2 switchers and a Mack Railbus.
An interesting place to run some trackage. Who knows maybe way back when a traveling Carnival train or even public Excursion to there may have graced these rails. We had a section of Milwaukee Road track that sat dormant for 15 plus yours and then some transportation agencies put money towards it and it's once again part of a through-line