Maybe CSX should look into those mowers that BNSF uses. They can reach from 12 to 15 feet to the side of the track. They are used where spraying is prohibited, and are operated by one person. I watched one in operation, for nearly half an hour, working a small town siding, the switching to the main, mowing a 15 foot swath on both sides of the tracks at the same time!
I’d guess that the railroads are pretty restricted in what they can spray. I remember when old crankcase oil was sprayed on dirt roads for dust control. One of my past employers had a product for railroad and utility rights of way. You had to be careful with it because if it got picked up by a trees root system it would kill the tree.
When I was young I took a local out of North Framingham yard north, crossed route 9, and was astonished. I had to have driven hundreds of times there in a car, and never knew, til I crossed it sitting on the engine, that we go across RT. 9. I guess I never seen a train there
The part of the line he videod runs through the middle of a reservoir. The right of way is a causeway, and they don't spray the weeds. Once you are away from here the line is very well maintained with a lot of welded rail. Winwaste opened a transfer site in Leominster and CSX has rebuilt all the grade crossings and is replacing most of the rail. Winwaste has a small yard at their facility that holds about 15 cars. The line is served 7 days week, 3 days only to clinton, 4 days all the way to Leominster. Other customers on the line are Ken's Salad Dressings, Newcor Packaging, Mass Container, A lumber facitlity in Sterling, Plastic company on Leominster and Win waste
I’m a little surprised CSX agreed to use this track in its condition. Granted, weeds aren’t going to stop a loco. I also can’t say as I know what CSX requires to use a track.
That is Connecticut’s commuter rail service between New Haven, CT and Springfield, MA. The MBTA leased their cars to them for 5 years before they were returned to MA for storage. After about a year a few of the cars were put back in service for non revenue use.
One day we’ll hopefully have rail service between New Bedford, Fall River, and Providence. Maybe one day we’ll have service along the entire I-495 corridor
