I understand the State of Texas refurbished the line, hoping someone would take it over. I went to Google Maps (which I know may not be up-to-date), and there does not appear to be a bridge over RG river. Plus it looked like there were some washouts. Is the line operational and actually being used now all the way into Mexico?
As per TXDOT, which owns the South Orient Railroad, the line from Alpine Junction to Presidio is not operational. I spend the warmer months of the year near Alpine. I have not seen a train south of Alpine Junction for a very long time.
I have seen as many as 30 hopper cars - sand - in Fort Stockton. I suspect they got there via the UP to Alpine and the South Orient from Alpine to Fort Stockton. The track from Alpine to Fort Stockton appears to be in pretty good shape.
Here is a link that contains more information about the status of the railroad.
http://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/division/rail/south-orient.html
More recent information is available at Texas Pacifico:
http://www.texaspacifico.com/
Rio Grande Valley, CFI,CFII
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