Reading & Northern announces 2026 excursions to Jim Thorpe, Pa.

Passenger train with green and yellow diesel rounding curve

PORT CLINTON, Pa. — The Reading & Northern has announced its 2026 schedule of mainline excursions to Jim Thorpe, Pa., featuring operations from Pittston and Reading, Pa. Trains will run Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 20, as well as St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. The railroad will also offer its […]

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Documentary looks at Iowa Interstate’s first 40 years

Train with black, red and yellow locomotives on long grade.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — A new documentary about the Iowa Interstate Railroad marking the railroad’s 40th anniversary is now available at the company’s YouTube page. “Revival and Redemption: Iowa Interstate at 40” is a 34-minute feature looking at the railroad’s growth from startup in 1984 to its current regional role linking Iowa and Illinois with […]

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Michigan derailment could lead to extended road closures

Logo of the Ann Arbor Railroad

PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Thirteen cars of an Ann Arbor Railroad train derailed early today (Feb. 18, 2026), leading to road closures that could last for several days. The Pittsfield Township Police said in a Facebook post that the police and fire departments were dispatched to the derailment scene at 5:06 a.m. No injuries were reported […]

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Reading & Northern No. 2102 winter ramble

Black steam locomotive on a curve in a snowy landscape. Reading & Northern No. 2102 winter rambles.

READING, Pa. — A clear, crisp Pennsylvania winter day greeted passengers and enthusiasts for the Reading & Northern’s winter Iron Horse Ramble. The excursion traveled the Reading Division main line between Reading Outer Station and Jim Thorpe, Pa., on Saturday, Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day. This was the second time the former Reading T-1 4-8-4 No. 2102 […]

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Reading & Northern promotes Raffa to chief marketing officer

Head shot of man in office

PORT CLINTON, Pa. — The Reading & Northern Railroad has promoted Jim Raffa to chief marketing officer, the company has announced. Raffa entered railroading as a trackman with R&N predecessor Blue Mountain & Reading in 1989, and after the Reading & Northern was formed in 1990, he became coal traffic manager and real estate manager. […]

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STB chairman updates status of pending proceedings

Freight train with yellow locomotives in mountains

WASHINGTON — The Surface Transportation Board today released an update on the status of 13 pending proceedings, with Board Chairman Patrick Fuchs indicating decisions are expected this month in four of the matters, with draft decisions to be presented in three others. All others should see action by May, according to the press release. Among […]

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Shelter-in-place order extends into second day at Connecticut derailment

Derailed tank car on riverbank

MANSFIELD, Conn.  — A shelter-in-place order remains in effect today (Friday, Feb. 6) and a local emergency has been declared in the wake of Thursday’s derailment of a New England Central train in the town of Mansfield. Officials told a press conference this morning that there have been no signs of a breach in the […]

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Shelter-in-place order continues at Connecticut derailment (updated)

Logo of the New England Central Railroad

MANSFIELD, Conn. — A shelter-in-place order remained in effect as of 4 p.m. ET near the site of a derailment of a New England Central train today (Feb. 5), but no leaks have been detected among derailed cars carrying liquid propane. The shelter-in-place order was issued shortly after the derailment at 9:22 a.m. in the […]

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Retail railroading

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In a scene far removed from today’s unit and intermodal trains, a small boy watches as a shipment is loaded aboard the Union Transportation Co.’s daily train at New Egypt, N.J., in September 1958. The short line used locomotives and cabin cars leased from the Pennsylvania Railroad. Aaron G. Fryer photo […]

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Pinsly completes $6 million rehabilitation of 36-mile Alabama short line

Train with red locomotive approaching in distance

GEORGIANA, Ala. — Revenue freight is once again moving on a short line in southern Alabama. The Pinsly Railroad Co.’s Georgiana & Andalusia Railroad recently restored freight service on the 36-mile rail line between the CSX interchange at Georgiana and Andalusia, Ala. The first railcars in more than a year were delivered on Jan. 20, […]

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Ohio rail commission approves grants for two rehabilitation projects

Logo of Ohio Rail Development Commission

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ann Arbor Railroad will receive $120,000 and manufacturer AluChem will receive $75,000 for rail rehabilitation projects approved at the most recent meeting of the Ohio Rail Development Commission. The commission announced the grants, approved at a Jan. 22 meeting, on Tuesday, Jan. 27. The Ann Arbor funding will go toward a […]

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Pennsylvania DOT awards almost $53 million for freight rail projects

Red, white, and blue end-cab switcher

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania’s Department of Transportation will provide nearly $53 million for 30 rail freight infrastructure projects under a pair of grant programs, PennDOT announced on Wednesday, Jan. 21. Funding will come from the state’s Rail Transportation Assistance Program and Rail Freight Investment Program, which have invested more than $150 million in the state […]

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