Rail abandonment put on hold
Maybe it's not the end
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

The trains will continue to run through Ripley County - for now. That's the message from CSX Transportation after an announcement was made they were going to file for the abandonment of the rail lines from North Vernon to Aurora in the month of June.

According to CSX Transportation spokesperson Meg Scheu, the abandonment has been delayed and for now four freight trains - two eastbound and two westbound - will continue their journeys each day as before with no interruption. The proposal was scheduled to be filed with the STB (Surface Transportation Board) in June.

When asked what the reason was for delay Scheu said she could not comment. She noted, "Once internal decisions are made, we'll proceed," giving no indication when or if CSX would continue with the abandonment procedure.

In a prior interview with Scheu, she noted that there are many reasons why a rail line is abandoned and without giving a particular reason for this one, said no customers would be affected by closing the 45-mile stretch from Aurora to North Vernon.

According to Ripley County historians, the first train came through the county on July 4, 1854. A 150-year tradition will continue for now and freight trains will roll through the county carrying "mixed merchandise," according to Scheu.