Potential Railroad Sale Could Complicate Efforts to Extend Erie Trail

The potential sale of North Judson’s short line railroad could complicate efforts to extend the North Judson Erie Trail. The Prairie Trails Club wants to extend the trail to the northwest, alongside the railroad tracks. Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Larry Wickert told the town council Monday that in order to get a Next Level Trails grant from the state, it would help to have a permanent easement from the town.

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Railroad Dispute Costing Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum, Town of North Judson

The ongoing dispute between the Town of North Judson and Chesapeake and Indiana Railroad Company has put the brakes on the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum’s excursions past English Lake. Photo provided

The legal battle over North Judson’s short line railroad has town officials considering the line’s future. Last July, the town council decided to lease the line to Michigan-based Lake State Railway, but the Chesapeake and Indiana Railroad still hasn’t vacated it.

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Surface Transportation Board Rules in North Judson’s Favor

The ongoing dispute between the Town of North Judson and Chesapeake and Indiana Railroad Company has put the brakes on the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum’s excursions past English Lake. Photo provided

An attempt by the Chesapeake and Indiana Railroad Company (CKIN) to force the town of North Judson to sell its rail line has been rejected by the Surface Transportation Board.

CKIN operated the short-line railroad under an arrangement with the town for 10 years. Their agreement also allowed the North Judson-based Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum to operate excursion trains on the line. Continue reading