A special train ride occurred this week that was 511 days in the making
Ever since Hurricane Ian came through Southwest Florida on Sept, 28, 2022, leaving historic destruction in its wake, the people who live here have embraced all the recovery victories − big and small. Anything that resembles what things were like pre-Ian is a win.
Put what happened on Wednesday in the big-victory bucket.
The Seminole Gulf Railway (SGLR) based in Fort Myers successfully operated its first test train across the entire span of the Caloosahatchee River. Hurricane Ian's storm surge destroyed the railroad bridges crossing the Caloosahatchee River into Fort Myers, cutting off from rail service.
Initial damage assessment: Officials get close-up look at damaged Seminole Gulf Railway bridge in Fort Myers
Here's what to know about the comeback
It had been 511 days and 17 months since the railroad bridges crossing the river were functional
Wednesday's test train delivered railcars trapped in Fort Myers back to the national rail system
SGLR’s long road to recovery included but was not limited to diverting its freight traffic to its Sarasota Division
Also part of the recovery: rebuilding the railroad bridge across the Peace River in Arcadia, rebuilding several miles of track, and rebuilding the four bridges and track structures across the Caloosahatchee
SGLR performed all of this work 100% at its own expense, utilizing its own financial resources
Wherever possible and practical, SGLR used man-made materials like concrete, carbon fiber, and other composites to complete the work with built-in resiliency against future events.
Disaster relief not received
According to a press release from SGLR, despite best intentions from elected officials, and even the submission of a bill for consideration in the U.S. House of Representative (H.R. 3782 – The Short Line Railroad Relief Act.) put forth by Congressman Byron Donalds (FL-19), SGLR has not received any federal, state or local disaster relief aid to rebuild the bridges and track structure from Hurricane Ian storm damage.
To help communities impacted by future disasters like hurricanes and wildfires, SGLR continues to work with Congressman Donalds and the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) to support legislation that would provide disaster relief funding for small railroads throughout the United States. Similar funding programs are already available to other modes of transportation.
What they are saying
"This is an important milestone for southwest Florida. The freight moved over our railroad is essential to the region's economy, and the restoration of rail service will enable that freight to be moved in the most efficient and environmentally sustainable manner," said Robert Fay, Executive Vice President of Seminole Gulf Railway.
Seminole Gulf Railway: Did you know?
SGLR operates from north Naples to Arcadia where it connects to the CSX railroad and the rest of the United States.
The company also operates a separate line in Sarasota.
Overall SGLR delivered 3,700 railcars in 2023, the equivalent of almost 15,000 truckloads.
These railcars include materials such as drywall, lumber/plywood, rebar, and stone – all of which are critical items needed to rebuild from storms, but also to build the Southwest Florida of Tomorrow.
SGLR expects to begin regular freight service to Fort Myers in March 2024, and to restore the entire route of its popular Murder Mystery Dinner Train in the late spring of 2024.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Seminole Gulf Railway train crosses the Caloosahatchee River
