Rock Slide Damages Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
DURANGO, Colo. (CBS4)- A rock slide discovered on Thursday morning significantly damaged the tracks of the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
The rock and debris were found Thursday morning on the rails at milepost 481.6, approximately 14 miles south of Silverton. Rails and track bed were damaged which prevented the train from reaching its destination town of Silverton.
Because of the rock slide, the rail must be replaced and the rail bed repaired. It's unknown how long the disruption will last but crews hope to have the track repaired in a few days.
Railroad officials said the train will still be running, but with an abbreviated train ride 26 miles up the line to the wilderness destination of Cascade Canyon. The five-hour round trip takes passengers through what the railroad calls the "legendary" high line portion of the Animas River. At one 45-minute stop along the way, passengers have the opportunity to de-train and explore the trails and footbridge in Cascade Canyon.
Passengers scheduled to ride the train in the next couple of days are encouraged to check online, with the ticket office at the Durango depot at 479 Main Avenue or call 970.247.2733 for updates on track repairs.