Right-of-Way Photos
Raytown area- Dave Scofield
Raytown area- Dave Scofield
Site of 59th St.overpass- Dave Scofield
Raytown Rd. overpass- Dave Scofield
Bannister Rd. tunnel- Blairline
Stover, MO- Brian Silvey
Trestle- west of Versailles- Brian Silvey
Bus. 54 crossing in Eldon- Brian Silvey
Current Physical Conditions of the
MOCR Right-of-Way
- VEGETATION
The line was completely overgrown with vegetation, however, a cable laying project in 1996 by Qwest/MCI (former SP Telecommunications Division) resulted in some damage to the track, but a complete clearing of the track from thick brush and trees. (In photos at right, notice white pole markers for the cable line.)High-rail vehicles were able to operate along most of the route during the project. Union Pacific still holds the rights to the fiber optic lines installed on the STL line.
Some areas were completely impassible by humans prior to the clearing during the cable project. Thick brush covered the line in rural areas, as did some small trees growing between ties. The clearing by Qwest aided in the overall appearance of the right-of-way, but brush and trees are quickly recovering the right-of-way, and a complete clearing will need to be performed again in the future. Certain areas are once again totally grown over, and cannot be accessed.
- BRIDGES
All wooden bridges and most steel bridges were rebuilt or replaced by RI during the last 10 years of operation, and are in good condition. Steel and concrete bridges would also be declared structurally sound and in good condition. - OVERPASSES
In two places (in Raytown at 54th St. and near Versailles at Route 52), the Missouri Highway Department has removed railroad overpasses during highway projects- without the railroads permission, and is now required by law to replace them at no cost to MOCR. Also, at the U.S. 65 crossing (railroad crosses highway on overpass) south of Sedailia, highway projects in 1998-99 totally destroyed several hundred yards of roadbed, which also must be replaced by the state. - TUNNELS
There are several tunnels on the St. Louis Line! The first bore is located under Bannister Road (Vale) in Kansas City. The tunnel goes under the road and some distance further to reach the Blue River valley. The remaining three are located east of Eldon, including one under the town of Freeburg. MCRR Railfan Keith Houghton reports that RI reworked all of the tunnels, providing higher clearances for the operation of tall piggyback and auto-rack cars. - SIGNALS
Most road crossing signs and signals have been removed west of Owensville. At a particular crossing in Bland, the signal masts and crossbucks remain, but vandals have stolen the gates and lights! Amazingly, the Bus. U.S. 54 in Eldon (Bus. U.S. 54), which is on the part of the line that has been defunct since 1980, still has it's signals and crossbucks, though of course in extreme disrepair and for all practical purposes destroyed. Basically, all signals and signs west of Owensville will need to be replaced.At most highway and steet crossings, the tracks have been paved over many times through the years, all without SSW or UP's permission!
From Union to Owensville, which was last operated in 1995, all crossing signals and signs remain in place, never having been removed.
- ROADBED
In some areas, elevated grade crossings (places where the roadbed is higher than the road/highway that it crosses, creating a "hill effect" at the grade crossing) have been plowed through and leveled. In addition, two overpasses- one near Versailles and Raytown- were removed by the state without SSW/UP permission and must be replaced.In two places (in Raytown at 54th St. and near Versailles at Route 52), the Missouri Highway Department has removed railroad overpasses during highway projects- without the railroads permission, and is now required by law to replace them at no cost to MOCR. Also, at the U.S. 65 crossing (railroad crosses highway on overpass) south of Sedailia, highway projects in 1998-99 totally destroyed several hundred yards of roadbed, which also must be replaced by the state.
Weather has taken a major toll on the railroad. Washouts have removed portions of track in many areas.
At most highway and steet crossings, the tracks have been paved over many times through the years, all without SSW or UP's permission!
- SWITCHES/SPURS
Many industrial spurs sidings were removed by Southern Pacific in the early 80's (east of Owensville) without consulting the industries and customers. (SP did leave all switches in place to mainline). It is said that SSW removed the spurs to to discourage any requested service from shippers that would have required Southern Pacific to reopen the line and perform maintenance on the railroad. - TRACKAGE
While the tracks are intact, they are rusted, and in need of major repairs (this author belives complete track replacement will be nessesary) before trains can run. Upon reactivation, the tracks probably could handle a short train in their present condition, though exceeding 5 m.p.h. would cause a derailment!West of Owensville, all ties are rotten, or are in poor condition, ballast has been washed away or buried by nature, rails are chipped, broken and are encrusted with rust. Fishplates and spikes are out of their places or missing in some areas. Missouri Central has made arrangements to build an on-line tie- manufacturing plant to produce new ties to rebuild the line, but new rail will surely be needed on the entire line west of Owensville.
At most highway and steet crossings, the tracks have been paved over many times through the years, all without SSW or UP's permission!