Coos Bay Rail Link begins operations

The 133-mile Coos Bay Rail Link in Coos Bay, Ore., ran its first revenue freight train Oct. 12, from CBR's connection with Union Pacific at Eugene to Cordes on Oregon's south coast. Operations will be extended 17 additional miles to Coos Bay and Coquille in early 2012, as track and bridges are renovated. "Initially, we are providing service to customers as needed," said General Manager Tom Foster. "Forest products will be a major source of traffic." Coos Bay Rail Link is undergoing $25 million in repairs to upgrade the entire line from 10 mph to between 25 and 40 mph. When completed, the line will be able to handle 286,000-lb. gross weight cars. "It's exciting to restore freight rail service to the region," said Foster. "We're looking at a number of business development opportunities to generate more shipments in the months and years ahead."