Digest: Capitol Corridor memo expresses concern about Oakland ballpark plan

Oakland ballpark plan creates grade crossing issues, memo says

The head of the agency operating California’s Capitol Corridor Amtrak service has voiced concerns about grade-crossing issues new a proposed new ballpark for the Oakland Athletics. The Waterfront District Ballpark adjacent to Jack London Square will require stadium visitors to cross a busy Union Pacific line — used by freight traffic and Amtrak Capitol Corridor, San Joaquin, and long-distance trains — at grade level at the five closest crossings. Streetsblog San Francisco reports that Robert Padgette, managing director of the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority, says in a memo that stopped trains can often block those crossings, and that the resulting “behaviors patrons will exhibit before or after events in such a scenario has grave implications for the safety and operations of trains.” Padgette told the blog the Capitol Corridor operation is “big partners with the A’s … We’re just providing feedback so we can provide something that’s safe.” Union Pacific has previously expressed similar concerns [see “Union Pacific voices concern about site …,” Trains News Wire, April 17, 2019].

OmniTRAX to expand rail facilities at Jeffersonville, Ind., industrial park

Short line and transportation company OmniTRAX will expand rail infrastructure at an industrial park in southern Indiana. The company announced an agreement with the River Ridge Development Authority for the project at the River Ridge Commerce Center in Jeffersonville, Ind., part of the Louisville, Ky., metropolitan area. The 6,000-acre industrial center, on the site of the former Indiana Army Ammunition Plant, is served by CSX and is in close proximity to three Interstate highways, Louisville International Airport, and the Port of Indiana-Jeffersonville on the Ohio River. River Ridge Development Authority Executive Director, Jerry Acy said in a press release, “Long-term park success requires vision, investment and partnership and this agreement with OmniTRAX will provide long-term value to the park and our community partners.”

Organizations to work together to support Agawa Canyon train, possible additional rail service

Three organizations in the Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, area have signed an agreement to work together to support the seasonal Agawa Canyon Tour Train, as well as possible revival of rail service between Sault Ste. Marie and Hearst, Ont., which ended in 2015. Northern Ontario Business reports the Missanabie Cree First Nation, N1 Strategy Inc., and the Machine Shop have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop enhanced tourism experiences for the Agawa Canyon train and the proposed Bear Train. Transportation and logistics company Watco agreed to buy the Algoma Central Railway, route of both trains, from Canadian National in March, along with an assortment of branch lines in Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula [see “Watco purchases lines …,” Trains News Wire, March 30, 2021]. At the time, Watco announced it had signed an agreement with the Missanabie Cree “regarding partnerships opportunites” for the railroad.