ANGOLA, Ind. — The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society is asking commissioners in Steuben County, Ind., to close a grade crossing to accommodate its operations and upgrades as part of the Indiana Rail Experience.
The Angola Herald Republican, in an article republished by the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, reports the society is seeking closure of Ozark Street in Pleasant Lake. The rail society has invested more than $220,000 to restore its depot and install three-phase power to allow its railcars to be protected from freezing during winter storage. The society is looking to add 1,500 feet of new storage track for its equipment, accommodating the increasing business for its partner in the excursion operation on the Indiana Northeastern Railroad.
The society’s executive director, Kelly Lynch, said closure would help accommodate loading and unloading of passengers at the depot. He also asked the county to apply for grant money from the Indiana Department of Transportation to help pay for the crossing closure. He said the operation has brought more than 50,000 people to the area and generated $5 million in economic impact, according to county tourism bureau data.
The Fort Wayne Group and Indiana Northeastern are offering more than 50 days of Indiana Rail Experience excursions this year, operating with diesel power or Nickel Plate Road 2-8-4 No. 765. Tickets will go on sale in August for the organizations’ Fall and Christmas operations. More information is available at the Indiana Rail Experience website.
