A few comments...
1. The main reason why RR's take track out of service, is to save on tax money. RE tax on "improved property" ie, an active RR track ROW, is a lot more than the tax on unimproved property...ie., OOS rr ROW. Now, if the state owns the ROW, chances are that the operating RR doesnt have to pay RE taxes bc they dont own the ROW.
2. Other condiserations are that there are requirements to keep hughway crossing protection operating on in service track...which usually means the operating rr needs to inspect and test the flashera or gates at any RR crossing and prescribed intervals. And i dont think u can remove flashers or gates and put up crossbucks from an active crossing without petitioning a govt agency and going thru a ton of paperwork. So the RR has to weigh the costs of keeping a piece of raileoad "active" vs the outlook that they will be actually using the track at all.
My personal opinion, is that given the unreliability of CSAO, keeping a 2nd access to the outside world "open" is a good idea. Especially if they dont have to pay RE taxes on it . You can ask Kean what he thinks, since its his call.
Also there has been chatter about using the stretch of track from red bank to Earle for car storage. IDK if any truth to that or not.
Regardless, i highly suspect that the hirailer was routine required inspection of the highway protection and ROW.
