The Panhandle Project: Documenting a Lost Railroad
Once a fast corridor from Columbus, Ohio to Chicago, the "Bradford Side" of the Pennsylvania Railroad's "Panhandle Route" experienced many ups and downs throughout its nearly 130 year history.
In 1985, Conrail (Consolidated Rail Corporation) ripped up the railroad they had just put millions into. After upgrading the railroad to high speed (80 mph) standards, a new short-sighted management cut off a potentially strategic market from their business model.
Fragments of the railroad still exist. On the Bradford Side, industries in Columbus and Urbana still rely on the tracks of the Panhandle to serve their needs.
The line did, however did have a potential future as a connection into Columbus for the Santa Fe. Aside from the Santa Fe's purchase being considered a potential monopoly, Conrail did not want this extra competition, so the double-tracked steel highway became part of history.
Fast forward 35 years. I, being too young to ever see this railroad in action, set out to document this stretch of the Panhandle as it is today, in all seasons. I aim to show not only the current state, but also the change of the landscape and lineside communities since the railroad's disappearance. This project, may never be finished. Regardless, I will put in my best effort to bring this once glorious railroad to light. This, is the Panhandle Project.
Note: photos are sorted from east to west for logical purposes.
Read MoreIn 1985, Conrail (Consolidated Rail Corporation) ripped up the railroad they had just put millions into. After upgrading the railroad to high speed (80 mph) standards, a new short-sighted management cut off a potentially strategic market from their business model.
Fragments of the railroad still exist. On the Bradford Side, industries in Columbus and Urbana still rely on the tracks of the Panhandle to serve their needs.
The line did, however did have a potential future as a connection into Columbus for the Santa Fe. Aside from the Santa Fe's purchase being considered a potential monopoly, Conrail did not want this extra competition, so the double-tracked steel highway became part of history.
Fast forward 35 years. I, being too young to ever see this railroad in action, set out to document this stretch of the Panhandle as it is today, in all seasons. I aim to show not only the current state, but also the change of the landscape and lineside communities since the railroad's disappearance. This project, may never be finished. Regardless, I will put in my best effort to bring this once glorious railroad to light. This, is the Panhandle Project.
Note: photos are sorted from east to west for logical purposes.
