Don’t destroy Calais branch railroad track for trail

Sunrise Trail advocates propose to destroy the 86 miles of Calais Branch railroad between Washington Junction and Ayers Junction for “interim use” as a recreational trail. Their proposal is premised in part on claims that existing track is worthless and the corridor will be “railbanked” for track replacement when rail service is needed in the future. We believe those claims are illusions and that removal of track from the corridor will be irreversible. Here’s why:

We understand that some 100 miles of nonyard railroad track built to similar standards of rail weight and age are now in regular service else-where in Maine. Additional track mileage of similar construction is now being rehabilitated or preserved for future use in Maine.

It is correct that many, but not all, Calais Branch ties need replacement, together with wash-out repairs, spot rail replacement, surface and drainage improvements. However, the existing track retains considerable value toward restoration to a useful condition – value that will be lost if the track is destroyed.

An independent estimate compares costs to restore track to Federal Railroad Administration Class 2 standards (25 mph freight, 30 mph passenger) at $170,000 per mile to rehabilitate existing track vs. $530,000 per mile for all new track. The difference of $360,000 per mile suggests nearly $31 million of value is at risk for the 86 miles of track under imminent threat of removal.

The Maine Department of Transportation recently leased the westerly 27 miles of Calais Branch track to Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust for tourist train operations. The Department plans to retain the most easterly 12 miles for future rail restoration toward Eastport. These retained segments are built to similar standards and are in similar condition to the 86 miles proposed for removal.

Trail proponents argue the trail can be relocated when rail returns. Then why not locate the trail permanently now, saving future upheaval and duplication of trail development costs?

It defies belief that the railroad can ever be replaced, despite the soothing sounds of “interim use” and “railbanking,” once the track is des-troyed and the trail is established. The cost of all new track would then compound with costs of trail relocation. New environmental restrictions may apply.

Perhaps the most insurmountable hurdle for future rail restoration would be the predictable resistance of established trail constituencies to start over in a new location. We believe that future trail relocation for rail would be opposed as tenaciously then, as trail advocates now seek to remove the track. Who in the future will champion rail restoration against those odds?

The moment of truth for 86 miles of the Calais Branch railroad is now at hand because the track removal issue will soon be brought to the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Transportation. The original Washington County Railroad, of which this route is a major part, was built in the late 19th century to serve the needs and growth of the Down East region. Times and needs have changed.

However, today railroads are on the upsurge nationally, fuel cost outlook is a growing concern and the impact of heavy trucks on roads and bridges is common knowledge. We believe the continuous railroad through Hancock and Washington counties has a useful place in the region’s transportation future. It is a valuable asset well worth keeping.

We urge that Calais Branch track remain intact. Maine DOT should be allowed dedicated funds for continued custodial maintenance and should further encourage initiatives to reactivate the eastern and western ends of the line for productive service. State and regional economic development efforts should focus on the entire railroad’s potential value. Track should be incrementally restored as justified and affordable.

Finally, we urge that the Sunrise Trail be located permanently from the start, within or outside the railroad corridor, so as not to interfere with the railroad track or impede future railroad operations.

Jack Sutton is president of MRG Inc. /DownEast Rail, an independent, nonprofit group working to enhance rail service in Maine. He lives in Belgrade and can be contacted by e-mail at jtsutton@prexar.com.