The Coos Bay Rail Link - CBR on April 29 restored full service to the 134-mile Coos Bay rail line. CBR marked the day by hauling the first rail cars of plywood in 5.5 years from the Roseburg Forest Products mill in Coquille, Ore., north toward connections in Eugene, Ore., with the North American freight rail system.

The railroad also celebrated one year of success on  October 11, 2012, the anniversary of re-establishing freight rail service to manufacturers in western Lane, western Douglas and Coos counties.

The CBR has purchased five reconditioned locomotives and now employs 12 people. In addition, CBR has 11 customers with inbound and outbound cargo consisting wood products, steel, chromite ore and dairy feed. The railroad exceeded its carload goal for 2012, and anticipates doubling of commerce this year.

Stop in and visit the CBR crew at the company office at 115 Hall Ave. in Coos Bay. CBR's general manager, Tom Foster, is based out of the depot.
 

The Port of Coos Bay is continuing oversight of the $31 million rehabilitation of the 134-mile Coos Bay rail line in Coos County and western Douglas and western Lane counties. The project has restored freight rail service between Oregon’s South Coast and Eugene, and ultimately re-connected the region to the nation’s rail system.

 To date, the majority of tunnel repair work is complete. Contractors have installed new railroad ties and ballast along the entire line from west Eugene to Coquille. Crews have posted new signs and continue to upgrade public crossings. The electrical system has been upgraded on the Coos Bay swing span bridge and steel bridge repairs are ongoing between Coos Bay and Eugene.

Look. Listen & Live! ...

Think safety at all railroad crossings. Remember, it is illegal to trespass in the railroad right-of-way. The Coos Bay Rail Link partners with Oregon Operation Lifesaver and reminds everyone to Stay Off! Stay Away! Stay Alive!

Click here for details on scheduling an Operation Lifesaver safety presentation.