Ballast, lining and surface

It is really good to see the ballast going in, and the lining and surfacing that goes with it. Back in 2000 when I was part of RGRPC, our ex-DRGW division engineer advisors suggested that this kind of line and surface were the major priorities. A lot of things needed to be done, but line and surface was their big concern to increase safety by eliminating the minor derailments that had plagued the line. That's one of the reasons we acquired the EBT hoppers for ballast train service.
But the FRA was more concerned about subgrade stability issues, so we did an about face and installed retaining walls, worked on mud tunnel, and things like that. Later on Martinez and Windy points were delt with. Not a right or wrong issue, but clearly a difference in professional opinion. And the change in priorities really slowed down progress. In the end it all needed to be done, the only real issue was what to do first.
But it is good to see the railroad has gotten to the point where everyone agrees ballasting, lining and surfacing can be done. But for us photographers it will sure change the appearance of the line, but that is a small price to pay for the added safety and not beating the equipment to death on rough track.
Here's to the MOW guys, the unsung heros of the railroad.
JBW