Late this afternoon there were a series of cloudbursts in the Durango area causing mudslides on US 550 north of Hermosa and on US 160 near Chimney Rock, closing both highways. There was also considerable mud and probably a washout on the D&S tracks north of the US 550 overpass. Southbound 476 with 14 cars and 400 passengers are stuck north of the mudslide. There have been unconfirmed reports that 476 may have hit something and/ or derailed. Whether confirmed or not, it would appear 476 is stilll operable, but can’t back the 14 cars up the hill to Rockwood. Busses being sent to rescue passengers. New train crews sent to Rockwood to start up the two diesels at Rockwood to retrieve the 14 cars in two sections. Helicopter will fly in new crew to 476 to back it up to Rockwood after the cars are retrieved. Trains cancelled at least for the next two days. Seems the D&S just can’t get a break!
Bill



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/17/2018 09:25PM by Bill M..