An observation from my rail travels around the country is that "cosmetically" speaking, much of the railroad physical infrastructure appears ill maintained: major bridges/trestles, MOW yards, and in many cases, the drainage and maintenance of the right of way boundaries all seem rusty, overgrown, sloppy in other words. I think this is one contributing factor to how the public views the railroad industry. The railroads don't take care of their property, they don't care how it looks to the communities they pass through or serve. I know, this does not apply to every Class I, but when millions of people see a major railroad bridge covered in peeling paint and rusting, it gives a very negative impression about the culture of the responsible company. I suppose in this time of "shareholder value" at any cost over the other responsibilities of a corporation, public impressions count for little but, I believe that in the long run if it looks like they are irresponsible then perhaps they are irresponsible in all their operations: hence, concern over oil, gas, ethanol, etc. traveling by rail. Appearance counts.
We've discussed paint and bridges here, but not to the extent many city fathers (and mothers) have.
I would opine that from the railroad's point of view, esthetics is of limited value. If the bridge will carry the load, who cares how it looks? And many bridges were overbuilt in the first place - designed to carry the load of steam locomotives, especially with their dynamic augment (see Cooper Ratings).
The same can be said for items like signal shacks - I see many that are a fine shade of rust, but the signal circuits are running just fine.
RoW's (ballast, etc) are generally in good shape for the traffic they carry - there's no need for that industrial track that carries maybe 100 cars a year (and often substantially less) to look like a 100 MPH mainline.
But - as you suggest, perception is everything. And, as you note, the beancounters are an important part of the mix. I'd bet one of those Ohio River mega-bridges would cost millions to properly repaint - and to what end? If the bridge department says the bridge will last another 50 years, it becomes someone else's problem.
Even vegetation can be a troublesome issue. There are those who object to the use of herbicides to control said vegetation along the ROW.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
tree68We've discussed paint and bridges here, but not to the extent many city fathers (and mothers) have. I would opine that from the railroad's point of view, esthetics is of limited value. If the bridge will carry the load, who cares how it looks? And many bridges were overbuilt in the first place - designed to carry the load of steam locomotives, especially with their dynamic augment (see Cooper Ratings). The same can be said for items like signal shacks - I see many that are a fine shade of rust, but the signal circuits are running just fine.
I believe NS has their signal bungalow's made out of cor-ten steel. The outer layer of 'rust' is the protective film for the box which then needs no painting into the future.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
As for Black-Thumb, CP has an annual battle on their DRI-Line between LeClaire IA and Clinton. Partially because the R/W is soooo narrow and partially because the summer houses and garages between the railroad and the Mississippi either are on the R/W line or encroach on the railroad, because the railroad is the high ground. Talking to the CP roadmaster at Savanna, trying to be a good neighbor is a headache and a half. FRA's vegitation concerns are about drainage, sign/signal visibility and trainman's footing... NOT about appearances. Get around any summer houses and those little home-made "no-spray" signs pop up faster than dandielions...
OP ever been west of the Mississippi ? (like eastern CO/WY or Western KS/NE out in the grasslands...What's a tree?)
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