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Maintenance and operations update: flood repairs, Paramount filming, BLM access questioned
Summary
Staff reported ongoing flood-damage repairs to track ditches, a request to build a rip track to store a regulator, coordination with Wood Rodgers on BLM access for exploration work, and likely Paramount train filming scheduled next Monday.
Operations staff provided updates on track repairs and related operational matters at the Nevada Commission for the Reconstruction of the VNT Railway meeting.
Chris Fredder of Battle Born Rail reported crews have been working on flood damage and completed much of the ditch work; he said one more day of equipment work is expected before ballast delivery and tamping. Fredder said the flooding primarily originated from an overloaded state Department of Transportation area uphill of the affected spots and that the commission has taken some precautionary measures, including limited over-excavation, to reduce the risk of repeat flooding.
Fredder said a regulator that sits on the tracks has been in the way during work and asked the commission to consider building a rip track off a siding to store the piece of equipment; he noted easement issues may apply and suggested the matter be discussed further.
Staff also reported coordination with Wood Rodgers for exploration work on a parcel underlying the track. The parcel appears to be federal public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management and includes an existing mining claim; staff said drone overflight access is possible if the contractor does not land on BLM land, but ground access will likely require a disturbance permit and additional approvals. A phone meeting with Wood Rodgers was scheduled to clarify access requirements.
Commissioners discussed a likely Paramount train film production expected to use the tracks next Monday. Staff said they will coordinate cleanup of debris and confirm how far the production plans to run the train. The commission also discussed a planned rip-track storage solution to keep equipment out of the operational corridor.
Ending
Staff will follow up with Wood Rodgers and the BLM on access and permitting requirements, coordinate with Tom (maintenance lead) regarding debris removal for the Paramount production, and bring the rip-track proposal back for further discussion if easement review suggests it is necessary.
