RailNews

North Judson Settles Shortline Dispute

A long-standing legal battle between the town of North Judson, Ind., and shortline operator Chesapeake & Indiana Railroad (CKIN) came to an end this past September. According to a report by WKVI-FM, both sides agreed to a settlement that will also allow the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum to resume excursions beyond English Lake to LaCrosse.

The dispute began in 2016 when the city council voted to select Lake State Railway as the new operator of the former CSX line. CKIN alleged the railroad museum did not have adequate insurance or safety procedures to operate on the line, and protested the town’s process to select a new operator on the basis of alleged influence from the museum. Part of the settlement awards CKIN a new ten-year operating contract, with two automatic five-year renewals.

Formed in 2004 to operate the 33-mile North Judson line, CKIN is a subsidiary of Indiana Boxcar Company.

—Railfan & Railroad

This article was posted on: October 19, 2017