When I think about railroads, I don't really picture new ones being built. Unlike the constant road construction that we see every day, I don't think that I've ever seen railroad construction. Obviously, there are routine maintenance crews keeping the lines going.

Railroad Safety

I remember the day that the train safety experts came to my elementary school and gave us a very thorough lesson on train safety. Let, me tell you, that stuck with me. To this day, you will not catch me walking along train tracks.

Photo portsofindiana Collage
Photo portsofindiana Collage
loading...

Working on The Railroad

Here's a fun little fact: Mt. Vernon, Indiana is the largest port in the entire state. And now with this new expansion, Southern Indiana is on the cusp of more jobs and a better economy. Mount Vernon Port Director Jason May had this to say at the ribbon cutting:

 “The Mount Vernon Railroad is the backbone of our heavy-haul logistics infrastructure and a major economic resource for our local community. We’re excited to celebrate this best-in-class rail collaboration with our regional partners and to have the young people in our community play a role in naming the two locomotives that will serve businesses at our port for many years to come.”

Read More: How To Safely Handle Train Delays In Evansville

Community Support Through Students

The really awesome part is how local students were able to be a part of the expansion. They were given the opportunity to name the trains. Three students proposed “Wildcat Express” Huck Bushard in Mrs. Offerman’s first-grade class at Marrs Elementary, Ella Price in Mr. LaMar’s fourth-grade class at West Elementary, and Mya Trout in Mrs. Redman’s second-grade class at Farmersville Elementary. “Power Paws” was submitted by Lillian Falls in Mrs. Weatherford’s third-grade class at Marrs Elementary.

WBKR-FM logo
Get our free mobile app

Planes, Trains & Automobiles Missouri & Illinois Sites Then & Now

Gallery Credit: Ryan's Retroverse via YouTube

Abandoned Trains of New York State

Take a look around these trains, found in the woods, that time seems to have forgotten.

Gallery Credit: Karolyi

More From WBKR-FM