The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum is expressing optimism with the new operator of North Judson’s short line railroad. A company called Midwest & Bluegrass Rail announced last month that it had purchased the Chesapeake and Indiana Railroad, as well as three other short lines, from the Indiana Boxcar Corporation. Midwest & Bluegrass is a relatively new company, formed in 2019.
Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum President Todd Flanigan told the North Judson Town Council last week that he met with the new operators, and they were open to the idea of letting the museum resume running trains to LaCrosse. “They said, ‘Well, with the transloading situation up there, that may not be doable right away, but we’ll work on it.’ So super-willing to help us,” Flanigan said.
Flanigan noted that Midwest & Bluegrass also seems to be interested in generating new business on the North Judson end of the line, while up until now, most business has ended at LaCrosse.
In a press release, the company said it “will continue to capitalize on the growth potential of the railroads by pursuing economic development and transload opportunities.” Chief Operating Officer Brian Miller also promised to continue the railroad’s commitment to providing high-quality service to customers, employees, and communities.
The previous operator at times had a rocky relationship with the museum and the Town of North Judson, which actually owns the line. The company blocked the museum from running excursions to LaCrosse in 2016 and then sued the town when it tried to lease the railroad to another company.
The change in operator comes as North Judson continues working to sell the railroad altogether. Town Attorney Justin Schramm told council members that he was expecting to get appraisals back soon, and he wanted to schedule an executive session in the near future to put together a request for proposals.
