Rail re-start for Port of Coos Bay

The Oregon International Port of Coos Bay will restart rail operations on its renamed subsidiary, Coos Bay Rail Line, on port-owned rail November 1.

ARG Transportation Services earlier said it would no longer operate the line, citing a dispute with the port over operation agreements.

The port in a release said it has 15 new employees to manage daily rail operations on the134-mile line from a connection with Union Pacific at Eugene to the Port on the Oregon Coast and Coquille, Ore.

In 2014 it was the Railway Age Short Line of the Year.

“For over a century, the Port has worked to further its mission to promote sustainable economic development for the region and State.  In assuming an operational role, the Port is preserving a transportation option that is integral to the economic fabric of the area,” said Port Chief Executive John Burns. “[The Port] seeks to enhance operation of the rail line by offering an increased level of customer service, coordination, and communication for our customers while preserving critical jobs within our community.”

The port said more than $60 million has been invested in the 100-year-old line’s infrastructure with several rehabilitation projects under way including the Coos Bay swing span bridge. A contractor is expected to commence work soon with the bridge expected to be back online at the end of this year.