from Railway Track and Structures news
STB completes efforts involving MMA abandonment
The Surface Transportation Board today completed its work in the multiparty effort to preserve freight train service in northern Maine. After months of STB-led mediation and extensive involvement of federal, state, and local officials, Maine businesses and workers, the Board formally approved the request of the Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway to abandon 233 miles of rail line in Aroostook and Penobscot counties. The action will pave the way for the state of Maine to acquire the line and find a third-party operator to serve rail customers in Northern Maine. Meanwhile, MM&A is continuing to operation [sic] the line.