Flash floods that spread across the area surrounding Rochester, N.Y., on the evening of June 18 caused extensive damage to the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum right-of-way. The storm, which dumped more than seven inches of rain in less than three hours, also washed out tracks on the neighboring Livonia, Avon & Lakeville Railroad near Avon, temporarily stranding the daily road freight just a mile south of the museum until the tracks could be cleared the next day.

While the full extent of flood damage is still being assessed by museum volunteers, several areas of the railbed appeared to be compromised enough to warrant the cancellation of public train ride events through the end of July. According to museum officials, there was no damage to locomotives, rolling stock, or the restored 1909 Erie Railroad depot at Industry. Museum volunteers are partnering with engineering firms and New York State DOT to plan a course of action to effect repairs so the museum can resume train rides as soon as possible. The museum’s railroad is built on a mile-and-a-half of private right-of-way in the rural town of Rush, just 12 miles south of Rochester.

“As a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization, we rely on ticket sales to support our mission. However, the safety of our guests, volunteers, and equipment must always come first,” the museum said in a prepared statement, “We appreciate your patience, understanding, and continued support as we work to restore operations and preserve Rochester’s rich railroading heritage for generations to come.”

Founded in 1971, the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum is the largest operating railroad museum in New York State. Donations can be made at www.rgvrrm.org/donate

—Railfan & Railroad staff