CONTRACTORS ON SITE
April 8 2021
  The old BC&G RR tracks and bridges were damaged during the 2016 Great Washout. FEMA has coughed up $4.3+ m to restore the property to before flood condition. That includes repairing, replacing trestles and rights of way.
   On Thursday April 8th, contractors vying for the job , assembled at the BDA building in Two Run for a pre-bid meeting of the 19 miles section of upgrade.
  The 20 + potential bidders traveled to Dundon with their ATV's in tow. One contractor will be responsible for the entire project. Bids will be awarded May 13th.



photos by RF
   Here's a problem spot along the tracks or lack of tracks. When finished in Dec 2021 (more or less) the existing rails, ties, and bridges, will be put back to Federal standards and ready to carry tourist trains. In many places, beside the rails and on RR ROW, a hiking, biking, horseback riding trail will be available. In other places, those users will be straddling the rails for an adventure into yesteryear.
   So how are they going to get the job done so quickly? It's our understanding, there will be two crews on site with the center of project at the big hay field in Crestmont. Crew one heads down creek while the other heads North to Robinson. A humongo piece of equipment will lift the rails slightly before sliding in the new ties. 13,000+ ties will be installed.
  Right now there's around 30 miles of ERTS in use by the public along the Elk River. On those miles, the rails/ties were removed and fresh ballast installed.
   For this new 19 mile section, going up Buffalo Creek, both tourism trains and foot path users will be side by side in places.
  Clayberry, believe it or not, we're seeing our future roll out in short order.
  Have you got your lemonade stand at the ready? How about hot dog cart, diner, trinket shop, bike repair shop, or something else to bring you some new $$$? The time is now
AW