Here we are in the same situation we experienced in 2008 during the
"big" storm - tracks cleared of fallen trees and wires - almost all
power restored to the line in Maine and Massachusetts with only New
Hampshire segments without power. At that time we contacted Maine's
Governor Baldacci to ask that he contact Governor Lynch and the
Emergency Management folks in NH about getting electricity to the
switches, gates, bells and lights, etc. For whatever reason - service
was restored very shortly after that call.
This past Friday, we heard from our friends along the line that when
the worst of the storm was over, PanAm was hard at work clearing the
ROW of all debris. Once again, PanAm Rail responded immediately by
working night and day to clear the debris and inspect bridges and
trestles as soon as it was safe to do so. However, without electricity
for signaling systems and switches, the train would take about 5 hours
to make the trip to Boston, so service was suspended.
NNEPRA, who manages the Downeaster service and whose concern is
transporting passengers to their jobs and pursuits no matter what - is
running special bus service between Dover, Durham and Exeter to Boston,
and Portland, Saco and Wells to Boston for the benefit of pass holders
and discretionary travelers. One could not ask for better partners,
but without electricity the Downeaster is helpless.
So, for the second time in three years we've made a call to Governor
Baldacci's office asking for assistance. The Maine DOT was notified
and immediately became involved trying to speed up the restoration of
service. Right now, PanAm, Amtrak, NNEPRA, and MDOT are doing their
best to see that the major delay - electricity to the signaling
systems in New Hampshire is restored ASAP. Still, one has to wonder
just why restoration of power to a major rail line is not higher up on
the Emergency Managements' folks list not just in NH but in Maine as
well. Providing safe reliable passage for people and goods following
such interruptions should be right up there following restoration of
power to hospitals, nursing homes, public safety centers, food stores,
etc.
"They" say that things happen in threes - if that is so, let's hope
that the "powers" are better prepared next time.
Here we are in the same situation we experienced in 2008 during the
"big" storm - tracks cleared of fallen trees and wires - almost all
power restored to the line in Maine and Massachusetts with only New
Hampshire segments without power. At that time we contacted Maine's
Governor Baldacci to ask that he contact Governor Lynch and the
Emergency Management folks in NH about getting electricity to the
switches, gates, bells and lights, etc. For whatever reason - service
was restored very shortly after that call.