More Monday morning rail news:
— While Strasburg Rail Road passenger operations have been suspended because of the COVID-19 virus, the short line’s freight traffic is up 169% in March, Lancaster Online reports. The 4.5-mile railroad has handled 43 incoming freight cars this month, 27 more than the same month a year ago, with another 28 cars en route. “Railcars loaded with commodities such as wheat, oats, soybeans, corn and more are keeping local mills and other facilities in operation so consumer products like bread, Pop Tarts, dog food and even kitty litter can be adequately stocked on local grocery store shelves,” Steve Barrall, vice president of guest experience, told the news site. A $2.47 million project to expand Strasburg’s freight yard, funded in part by a $1.7 million state grant, has been put on hold because of the virus outbreak.
— A Union Pacific train was derailed by a tornado during a series of storms Saturday night. The Associated Press reports tornadoes were spotted in Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Union Pacific spokeswoman Amanda Treiber told the AP that about 112 cars derailed in an incident near Brookland, Ark., releasing an undisclosed flammable liquid. There were no injuries, and rail service was restored about 9 a.m. Sunday
— Rhode Island is no longer singling out travelers from New York as part of its efforts to contain the coronavirus. After New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo threatened to sue over efforts that included checking passengers at Amtrak stations and police traffic stops of cars with New York license plates, Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo expanded the order to require all travelers from out of state to self-quarantine for 14 days after entering the state. Checkpoints have been established on Interstate 95 and two other highways, and National Guard members are at train stations, airports, and bus terminals collecting information from travelers, MassLive.com reports
