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U.S.Department of Transportation
Office of Public Affairs
Washington, D.C.
www.dot.gov/affairs/briefing.htm
News |
Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway to Get Next Generation Overhaul Through New Federal Investment
Contact: Kim Riddle or Steve Kulm
Telephone: 202-366-4570 or 202-493-6024
Thursday, July 29, 2004 (Akron, Ohio) The Wheeling & Lake Erie (W&LE) Railway will get a much needed face lift
thanks to a new loan from the U.S. Department of Transportation meant to boost
the competitiveness of the railroad that serves as a key economic link in Ohio,
Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
U.S. Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy Emil Frankel was on hand
at the railroad's Brittain Yard in Akron today to announce a $25 million loan
to the W&LE for rehabilitation of 315 miles of track and replacement of
over 168,000 rail ties.
"Along the aging Wheeling and Lake Erie system, jointed rail will be replaced
by continuous welded rail on key portions of track, leading to fewer derailments
and faster shipping times. More efficient trains equal shorter waits at rail
crossings for drivers, and fewer trucks on the roads in local communities. Track
upgrades will also mean less noise in communities, as welded rail smoothes the
traditional 'clickety clack' that comes from jointed rail," Assistant Secretary
Frankel said.
The loan is provided through the Department's Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement
Financing (RRIF) program. The infrastructure improvements will enhance the ability
of the W&LE to move freight using 286,000 pound rail cars, now the industry
standard, and continue providing its approximately 170 customers competitive
shipping rates and a cost-effective alternative to commercial truck service.
The W&LE is a regional railroad that provides common carrier rail service
over approximately 900 miles in 23 counties located in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West
Virginia, and Maryland. It connects with three Class I railroads and 14 short
line railroads, and primarily carries commodities such as coal, stone, iron
ore, and steel.
"The W&LE is an important transportation link, and the economic lifeblood
of the communities and businesses it serves. This type of investment is the
cornerstone of the Bush Administration's commitment to the economic promise
of this region and will help the railroad attract new customers and offer competitive
shipping rates that will in turn foster economic development along its corridor,"
Assistant Secretary Frankel said.
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