New York’s Delaware & Ulster Railroad will resume operations in May for the first time since 2019. Excursions are expected to begin on May 10 and continue every weekend through the end of the year.
Operating over the tracks of the former New York Central Catskill Mountain Branch (the former Ulster & Delaware Railroad) in Delaware County, Delaware & Ulster Railroad was established in 1983 after the non-profit Catskill Revitalization Corporation purchased 45 miles of track between Highmount and Bloomville, N.Y., from the estate of Penn Central. Today, 19 miles between Highmount and Roxbury are in open, though most excursions operate between Arkville and Roxbury. The section from Hubbels Corners to Bloomville was converted into the Catskill Scenic Rail Trail. Like many tourist railroads, the D&U shut down in 2020, but deteriorated track conditions prevented it from reopening as pandemic restrictions eased. In recent years, the railroad has worked on rebuilding its track, working with a series of contractors to replace ties and repair other deficiencies.
Opening day will coincide with Mother’s Day weekend. Excursions will now operate east from Arkville towards Fleischmanns and eventually to Highmount. In a press release, Catskill Revitalization Corporation Executive Director Todd Pascarella said it was a section of the rail line that hasn’t had excursions in decades. “The railroad is heading in a new direction, literally and figuratively,” Pascarella said.
In addition, Stephen Lane has been hired by the railroad to manage operations. “Stephen has quite a bit of experience in the mechanics and logistics of railroads,” Pascarella said, “but the thing we need most right now perhaps is urgency and commitment to the business aspect of our railroad, and Stephen’s entrepreneurial background and leadership experience gives him that balance as well.”
Popular with tourists for its scenic locale, the railroad is also popular among railfans for its use of vintage equipment, mainly former Delaware & Hudson Alco RS-36 5017.
For information on the upcoming schedule and train tickets, visit www.durr.org. —Justin Franz
