by gawlikfj
Is the Binghamton to Scranton line still open & used ?
Railroad Forums
Moderator: MEC407
When was the Belden Tunnel rebuilt and was it by Guilford?Yes, a Guilford era project. Last half of 1985 according to Scott Hartley author of Guilford Five Years of Change.
(Did they actually use money from there own pocket?)Hum, doubtful. If I remember correctly, NYS DOT was involved in the project and that probably meant state money.
deezlfan wrote:Yes, the line was used for high and wide shipments and detours until the completion of the rebuild of Belden Tunnel. After that, the line was torn out toward the end of the Guilford era . In many places, even the ballast was removed for reuse elsewhere.There are some relics but Guilford took everything of value. It is now the D&H rail-trail owned by the rail-trail council of NEPA. I have a photo collection of walking the entire line from Simpson to Windsor,NY where the ROW ends. (that is not private property)
There is still plenty to see along the old right of way, so planning a side trip the follow the route is educational. Gather some old photos of the D&H and head for Starrucca/Laneboro and try to line up the old photo locations. The Starrucca Viaduct used to be one of the Seven Wonders of the railfan world. Up there with Tehachapi Loop, Feather River Canyon and Cascade tunnel.
BobLI wrote:Mike, that web site you have has some fantastic pics. I also like how you have the topo maps etc to show the area explored. Looking forward to seeing more, great job!The topo maps are important to show the area where the pictures are taken, epically for someone who doesn't know the area.