Last Updated: March 28, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: March 24, 2023
Contact: Lynee Bixler, Director of Marketing & Communications, CVSR,
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad continues with plans to operate between Peninsula and Akron
PENINSULA, Ohio – After the disappointing decision to suspend all operation in early March, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR) and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) received encouraging news today that will likely return trains to the rails sooner than originally anticipated.
Earlier this morning, an independent engineering firm re-evaluated the erosion area that has been causing safety concerns and modifying operations since last year. Results from today’s inspection by geotechnical specialists deemed the tracks safe for equipment-only (no passenger) crossings. Subsequently, a consist of 12 railcars and 3 locomotives was safely moved from the Fitzwater Maintenance Yard in Valley View to Peninsula, Ohio.
“We are beyond excited! Moving the train allows us to continue exploring the logistics of operating excursions between Peninsula and Akron. This is a huge step forward!” said CVSR President/CEO, Joe Mazur. “The staff, volunteers and CVNP have been incredibly patient and helpful. We’re so thankful for everyone’s support.”
The coordination of running operations from Peninsula to Akron will be elaborate and expensive. Establishing a temporary maintenance shop to service the train, storing event supplies, and procuring utilities necessary for passenger travel will be costly. While ticket prices will not increase to compensate for these unexpected costs, donations to the CVSR annual appeal are greatly appreciated. Over the past four years, uncontrollable situations caused by the COVID pandemic and riverbank erosion forced CVSR to modify, and in some cases, cancel excursions resulting in financial loss. Gifts can be made by visiting www.cvsr.org/annual-fund.
“Details about our return to operations are evolving.” said Mazur. “Now that the most critical component of the plan is complete, we can move forward with determining dates, times, schedules, and passenger experiences. We’ll be sure to keep the public posted on our website and social media platforms.” said Mazur.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (VIEW AS PDF)
Release Date: March 3, 2023
Contact: Lynee Bixler, Director of Marketing & Communications, CVSR,
Pamela Barnes, Community Engagement Supervisor/Public Information Officer CVNP,
Ongoing soil monitoring shows increasing erosion along Cuyahoga Valley scenic railway Spring excursions suspended
PENINSULA, Ohio – Beginning today, March 3, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR) is suspending its modified train operations and spring activities in the park. Ongoing geotechnical soil monitoring in recent weeks identified increasing erosion along the 26-mile scenic and educational railway in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The tracks, originally built in 1880 for the Valley Railway, are used for scenic and educational rides through Cuyahoga Valley and do not operate for commercial train service.
During routine monitoring of the tracks in October 2022, engineers found instability at a site four miles south of the Fitzwater Maintenance Yard and determined the safest option was to suspend train operations beyond that point while further testing and analysis was completed. Since October, CVSR has offered modified programming operating on a limited section of track while additional assessments were underway.
“We are going to do everything we can to allow the train to return to normal operations as soon as possible. We ask for continued patience while we complete construction projects to stabilize the tracks near the river. In the meantime, we appreciate CVSR’s flexibility in adjusting operations,” said Cuyahoga Valley National Park Superintendent Lisa Petit.
With the aid of a recently installed advanced stability monitoring system, the NPS had hoped that regular train service could safely resume starting March 3. However, data associated with the monitoring system led to the decision to forgo all use of the tracks until repairs are made.
“The CVSR team is fully committed to keeping the train running. Our staff and volunteers have successfully overcome numerous obstacles over the past few years. I continue to be amazed at their resourcefulness. I am hopeful that we have a solution soon,” said Joe Mazur, CVSR President and CEO.
While the NPS and CVSR seek action to keep the train running, safety remains the number one priority. CVSR and the NPS are currently exploring various options to safely restart train operations by summer. Suspended CVSR programming includes the Cleveland Dinner & Events Train and the National Park Scenic Excursion. All ticket purchases will be automatically refunded within 5-7 business days to the original form of payment.
The National Park Service and CVSR, a non-profit volunteer supported park partner, work together to manage, and safeguard the historic locomotive fleet and tracks. The NPS owns and preserves the 26 miles of tracks, while CVSR owns and maintains the locomotive and passenger fleet.
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