Maine Rail Group

We’ve been seeing a great amount of feedback on the post we made recently regarding the upcoming trail votes regrading the Mountain Division in Hiram and Brownfield. There’s been support for the railroad, some supportive of both the railroad and the trail, some supportive of the trail, and some who are still undecided. We’re actually quite stoked about that- the public ought to have a forum where such a topic can be discussed, and the fact they’re holding a vote on this is phenomenal.

We don’t necessarily hide who we are and what we’re about (read our page description to see what we mean), but ultimately we believe a few things regarding the future of the Mountain Division:

- The RUAC process used to determine the best use of the line had some significant flaws (ranging from representation of rail interests to economic determination and analyzing nearby properties for economic development, and little representation of the health benefits of rail transit over current car and truck transport).
- The line would be best suited for a rail-with-trail compromise, which actually preserves the rail infrastructure for future use without hampering either option presented.
- Removal of the tracks would forever remove any future rail service on this line, at a cost of $12 million in taxpayer dollars & yearly maintenance costs.

Besides that, we’re basically just an advocacy organization made up of local folks who believe strongly in rail and its positive transformative impacts on communities. While we prefer people vote no on this project (see the attached image for a further list of reasons, provided by citizen advocate Patricia Barber), we invite folks to vote on this project based on their own conclusions. A reminder that the vote for Brownfield’s maintenance is August 6th, and you must be a resident of the town to vote. 🌲 🛤️ 🏔️ 🚲



(Photos attached are from Patricia Barber, citizen rail advocate. Thanks, Patty!)

Are YOU a resident of Brownfield or Hiram?

Do YOU want to remove the rails on the Mountain Division railroad line for a trail, irreversibly destroying the possibility for rail service on the corridor?
Do YOU want to bear 100% of the trail maintenance responsibilities— including manpower and funding— for the next decade, at the very least?
Do YOU want $12 million of your tax dollars going to removing 10 miles of a 60 mile rail line, as household expenses are on the rise?

If your answer is no, then neither do we! If you live in these towns, you finally find yourselves with an opportunity to be heard. On August 6th, the town of Brownfield will be voting on whether or not to sign the trail maintenance agreement, and on August 20th Hiram will be doing the same. Through this entire process, this is one of the first times there will be direct voting input from the general public on this trail project.

If you are a citizen of Brownfield or Hiram and are seeking to keep this vital corridor intact, then we implore you to attend these special election sessions and vote NO on the maintenance agreement. This will put a pause on the trail, keeping the rail infrastructure intact for future use while allowing for further discussion for the possibility of a rail-with-trail compromise.

Let your voice be heard, Brownfield and Hiram citizens, and get Maine back on track! 🛤️ 🌲

We want to start this post with a massive thank you to those who submitted their commentary on the Mountain Division trail study that MaineDOT put out. We heard from several sources that rail supporters came out in force to advocate for the retention of the rails on the Mountain Division and pushed for a rail-with-trail compromise, or just keeping the tracks. Folks, advocacy does work. Thank you all for showing up for Maine’s crucial rail network.

Speaking of rail network, how about that train ride on the Rockland Branch?

On June 27th, Maine Rail Group hosted it’s annual meeting on the Penobscot Shore Line Railroad for an excursion down the Rockland Branch. The passengers absolutely loved the trip (which sadly did not include the person writing this), and were able to get a taste of what will hopefully be a successful excursion experience on this scenic stretch of New England coastal railroad!

It’s never been a better time to support Maine’s railroads. Consider joining us below!

https://mainerailgroup.org/contact-us%2Fjoin-us

A very happy 250th American birthday and 4th of July to all, and thank you for continuing to help us get Maine back on track! 🛤️ 🚆 🌲

Reupping one more time: MaineDOT has announced that they’re extending the commentary period by another week for the Mountain Division trail project! If you’ve yet to do so, please leave your commentary on this $12 million dollar project to remove the railroad tracks, removing the opportunity for rail service in this region!

Fryeburg-Hiram, Mountain Division Trail Preliminary design to convert 10 miles of the inactive Mountain Division Rail Corridor into an interim off-road shared-use path/trail.

A gentle reminder that commentary for the MaineDOT Mountain Division trail project is due by TOMORROW, June 22nd! If you haven’t done so yet, now is your time to voice your opinion on this project, the study’s general completeness, and the (hefty) price tag associated with just this 10 mile stretch. Make your voices heard, railroad advocates! 🛤️ 🌲 🏔️

Fryeburg-Hiram, Mountain Division Trail Preliminary design to convert 10 miles of the inactive Mountain Division Rail Corridor into an interim off-road shared-use path/trail.

All Aboard! Join Maine Rail Group for their annual meeting, riding the rails of the Rockland Branch with the Penobscot Shore Line Railroad!

On Saturday, June 27— departing at 12:30 from Rockland and headed to Waldoboro— will be Maine Rail Group’s annual trip, hosted by the Penobscot Shore Line Railroad! This excursion is open to members and non-members, and will take passengers on a scenic train trip through the Midcoast Region of Maine on the former Maine Central Railroad’s Rockland Branch. You can either order tickets (and food!) online at www.mainerailgroup.org, or you can download the attached photo, fill out the details, and mail them to the address included in the document!

Come celebrate Maine’s railroading past, present, and future! A massive thank you to the Cumberland and Knox/Penobscot Shore Line Railroad for hosting us on their railroad, giving a glimpse of what’s to come for excursions on this historic line! 🛤️ 🌊

MaineDOT has published the preliminary study for rail removal of the Mountain Division, quoting a $12 million price tag to remove 10 miles of track!

The early findings to remove the rails on the Mountain Division are finally here, folks, and it’s a doozy. Removing just 10 miles of the railroad for a trail is going to cost $12 million of taxpayer dollars, up front. This doesn’t even include the maintenance fees involved after the trail is built, a burden that each town the trail passes through is responsible for.

Is this really the avenue we want to go down, especially as an interested railroad finalizes its business plan to operate the rail corridor and work with MaineDOT? Maine Rail Group doesn’t believe so. If you agree with that disbelief, MaineDOT is accepting commentary on the project via their website. We will provide the link below: the section to leave your commentary is closer to the bottom.

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/6e9ffdda3bca497daddadfe19b6bf4f8?fbclid=IwY2xjawSPqktleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA80MDk5NjI2MjMwODU2MDkAAR5nodt3iFA4hhb-6a3SOeOUsSyw4hPxatmjZX7X2txJOpxDrEAtYAW-JH8rfw_aem_exBhnbxPkfKYvD_hPpOeQg

This is one of those chances to make your voice heard, advocates. Let’s help western Maine stay on track! 🛤️ 🚆

Fryeburg-Hiram, Mountain Division Trail Preliminary design to convert 10 miles of the inactive Mountain Division Rail Corridor into an interim off-road shared-use path/trail.

We here at Maine Rail Group would like to wish everyone a wonderful National Train Day! This day commemorates the pounding of the Golden Spike for the transcontinental railroad, connecting the United States from coast to coast by rail.

From Bangor and Portland to Rockland and Brunswick, Fort Kent and S**o to Presque Isle, Maine’s rail network has kept the Pine Tree State rolling by taking trucks and cars off the road and spearheading economic development. With efforts to fortify and expand the state’s rail infrastructure, it’s never been a better time to be an advocate for rail. 🛤️ 🚆 🌲

https://mainerailgroup.org

#🌲

While other municipalities in Maine consider removing railroads for trails, S**o recognizes the importance of freight railroading in their community and how it improves their city!

With help from MaineDOT the city has been working on a spur off the CSX mainline that serves numerous businesses in the city limits. This will keep the tracks open, the trains running, and will continue to ease the pressure on the area’s roadways while supporting the economy.

We believe that this is something that should be afforded to all Maine communities that have railroads- active or inactive. See what we mean below.

https://savemainerails.org/

🛤️ 🚆

**o

S**o Public Works will begin maintenance on the City’s railroad tracks starting today, Monday, May 4. Throughout the week, residents and local employees should be aware of intermittent equipment crossings that will occur along Industrial Park Road.

This maintenance project is partially funded by a $48,713.50 grant awarded by MaineDOT. The City owns and maintains 2.2 miles of railroad track, which provides essential rail service to businesses located in the Industrial Park.

Rail freight plays an important role in reducing the number of truck deliveries required by local companies, which helps alleviate traffic congestion and slows roadway wear. Because trains can transport significantly heavier loads than trucks, more goods can be moved with fewer trips, improving efficiency and reducing infrastructure impact.

The City’s freight line is a key economic asset. It supports the needs of existing businesses and strengthens the Industrial Park’s appeal to companies considering locating in the region. Currently, three businesses rely on this rail service, benefiting from improved shipping rates through bulk freight deliveries.

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this important project.