Weather affecting the railroad 04-16-2007

Looks like a PAR freight train was at a stand-still at some point today due to floods. Must have been near 108. Not sure how long it sat.

District #2 between Portland and Plaistow is shut down. There is a major washout at Berwick ME, possibly caused by a failure of the Matthews Dam. There is also high water in other areas, fallen trees, etc. WAED was pulled back to Rockingham to tie down there.

No word as of 2:00PM on when Downeaster and freight service may resume.

Dick H

I saw a LOT of fallen trees in the Wells area today... wouldn't be surprised if the tracks through Wells are a bit messy at this time. Wells Beach is a real mess. Lots of buildings flooded, and significant damage to the seawall. I can only imagine what Camp Ellis is Saco looks like.

Rte 1 in Hampton over the marsh (to the Hampton Falls town line) is closed tonight in anticipation of the "big tide". I may try to go down the abandoned part of the railroad bed, as it is just East of the road, and survey the flood damage.

There were also 2 Mainline Crews in lowell today. Probably waiting to head west although I don't know why they wouldn't just go as far as lawrence.