By Justin Franz
EAGLE COUNTY, Colo. — A plan to reopen the former Denver & Rio Grande Western’s Tennessee Pass route in Colorado has garnered numerous comments in recent weeks, including one from a group calling itself the Coalition Against the Tennessee Pass Rail Line, which is objecting to its revival.
On Dec. 31, it was announced that Rio Grande Pacific subsidiary, Colorado Midland & Pacific Railway (CMP), will lease a majority of the Tennessee Pass line from owner Union Pacific and file for common-carrier authority with the U.S. Surface Transportation Board to operate it for both freight and passenger service. CMP is planning to lease the line from Milepost 171.90, at Parkdale, Colo., to Milepost 335.00, near Sage. The former Rio Grande line has sat dormant for nearly a quarter-century and has long been considered one of the most iconic pieces of mountain railroad in the American West.
Another company, Colorado Pacific, has also expressed interest in the line with the hope of connecting it to the former Missouri Pacific Towner Line in eastern Colorado. That company has said it would object to any plan to lease the rail line to the Rio Grande Pacific-backed operator.
In the weeks since numerous comments have been filed with the STB, many from local residents and environmental groups raising concerns about the impacts train service would have on the area. The Town of Avon, Colo., is also helping cover legal fees so that a Denver law firm can review the plan to lease the line.
The latest comment that was posted on the STB website came on Jan. 27, from a group called Coalition Against the Tennessee Pass Rail Line. In its comment, the group stated it had gathered over 1,000 signatures objecting to the railroad’s reopening based on environmental concerns and changes to the communities in the decades since trains last ran. Among their chief concerns is that the Arkansas River Valley is now heavily reliant on recreational tourism.
“The Tennessee Pass rail line is notorious for its steep, dangerous grades and tight turns, which have led to multiple derailments in the past,” the group wrote. “We cannot risk future environmental damage to this prized area of Colorado by allowing trains to return to this line that provides no vital sources of economic revenue for our communities.”
“Understanding the significant challenges with the Tennessee Pass rail line, in late 1997, Union Pacific applied with the Surface Transportation Board to officially abandon the route,” the comment continued. “Unfortunately, they were denied. We agreed with their request to abandon the line back then, and strongly agree that it should now be abandoned permanently.”
Rio Grande Pacific has said they would entertain offering both freight and passenger service. “We look forward to engaging in the transportation planning work already underway to determine how the Tennesee Pass Line might play a role,” said CMP President Robert Bach. “It’s exciting to bring this additional operation to the table.”
The STB has not made any comments regarding the plan or the objections.
