By M.T. Burkhart

FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Seminole Gulf Railway in southwest Florida suffered significant damage from Hurricane Ian in late September and may be closed for months, according to the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

A total of six bridges — three near Fort Myers and three near Arcadia — were destroyed, and the rail yard in Arcadia remained underwater for days after the hurricane’s passing, Robert Fay, executive vice president, told the paper. It’s expected to take six months to restore service.

“Some customers are going to have to divert additional traffic to trucks, which causes all kinds of headaches,” Fay said.

Seminole Gulf’s popular dinner train has also been suspended until repairs are made.

Seminole Gulf acquired 118 miles of CSX trackage in 1987 between North Naples and Arcadia, as well as between Oneco and Sarasota. Its traffic included much of the region’s building materials, newsprint, LP gas, plastics, stone, recycled materials, steel, and other commodities.